Hailstorm Devastation

A severe hailstorm and accompanying stormy winds have wreaked havoc on the livelihoods of numerous fruit growers. On 2 September 2024, districts Shopian and Kulgam were particularly hard-hit by these natural calamities, resulting in major losses and distress among the growers. The sudden hailstorm struck during the critical harvesting period and reportedly left a thick white layer in the orchards, causing extensive damage to apple crops. As one orchard owner from Shopian lamented, “The sudden hailstorm has left a white layer in our orchards and knocked down the apple crop when we were in the middle of harvesting.” Horticulture is a cornerstone of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, contributing approximately 10% to the region’s State Gross Domestic Product (SGDP). With over 700,000 families directly or indirectly dependent on this sector, the devastation wrought by the recent hailstorm poses a severe threat to the economic stability and sustenance of countless households. The region’s reputation for producing high-quality fruits, particularly apples, underpins its moniker as the “Land of Fruits.” However, the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, including untimely rains, stormy winds, and furious hailstorms, has introduced formidable challenges to the industry. The hailstorm’s impact was both immediate and severe, affecting approximately 25 to 30 villages, with an estimated crop damage ranging from 50% to 60%. The timing of the storm, coinciding with the active harvesting phase, exacerbated the losses. The aftermath of the storm requires urgent and effective measures to mitigate the damage and support the affected farmers. In response to the catastrophe, Director of Horticulture Kashmir, Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, announced that crop insurance for apple orchards would be available starting March 2025. This insurance aims to cover losses due to hailstorms, adverse weather conditions, and low temperatures, with the government bearing 95% of the premium and farmers contributing the remaining 5%. Additionally, teams from the SKUAST-K Shalimar and the Department of Horticulture Development Kashmir and Horticulture (P&M) have been deployed to the affected areas of Shopian and Kulgam to assess the damage and guide farmers on the next steps. Bhat emphasized the importance of immediate action, urging farmers to collect and market the fallen produce swiftly to prevent further losses due to rotting. Experts are also preparing advisories to help farmers manage and sell the damaged produce, coordinating with the marketing department to find viable solutions for contaminated products. Beyond immediate relief, efforts are being made to assist farmers in mitigating future risks. Bhat mentioned the recommendation of treatments like Captan to reduce staining caused by hail damage. However, implementing protective measures such as nets remains challenging in conventional orchard setups, though they are more feasible in high-density orchards. The difficulty in adopting such protective strategies underscores the need for innovative solutions and investment in infrastructure to safeguard crops against unpredictable weather patterns. The recent hailstorm in Shopian and Kulgam has highlighted the vulnerability of Kashmir’s horticulture sector to extreme weather events. Therefore, the importance of robust support systems, including crop insurance and effective compensation mechanisms, has become increasingly evident.