Srinagar: Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Friday urged the authorities to assess crop losses caused by the recent hailstorm in parts of North and South Kashmir and provide adequate compensation to affected farmers and orchardists.
Bukhari said the hailstorm on Thursday had damaged standing crops and orchards in several villages, particularly in parts of Sopore and Shopian, raising concerns among growers ahead of the peak apple harvesting season.
He said the damage to apple crops had come at a crucial time when orchardists were preparing to harvest their produce after months of work and investment.
Bukhari also expressed concern over a fire at Sempora in Sopore, where an apple storage shed containing harvested produce was gutted, causing substantial financial losses to the affected fruit grower.
According to Bukhari, the fire was triggered by a short circuit in a power transformer amid rain and gusty winds.
Seeking immediate intervention, he called on the authorities to assess the damage without delay and ensure timely financial assistance to affected farmers and orchardists to help them recover their losses and protect their livelihoods.