Hailstorm Ravages Crops, Apple Blossoms in Central Kashmir SRINAGAR: A sudden hailstorm struck Kanidajan and nearby villages in the Pakherpora area of central Kashmir’s Budgam district on Monday late afternoon, damaging standing crops and apple blossoms and raising concerns among farmers about potential losses to the upcoming harvest. Locals reported that the storm, though brief, was intense enough to impact orchards and agricultural fields across the region. Farmers described the hailstones as hitting apple trees at a critical stage of the season when blossoms were in full bloom, causing significant damage to flowers in several orchards. The apple blossom phase is vital for fruit development, and harm during this period could affect the size and quantity of the harvest later in the year. Local farmers expressed fears that widespread damage could reduce production if the storm’s impact proves extensive. “Hailstones fell suddenly, and many blossoms were knocked down. We are worried this may affect the apple crop this year,” said a local orchard owner. In addition to apple orchards, some seasonal crops and vegetables grown in nearby fields were also reported to have been damaged. Budgam district, like other parts of the Kashmir Valley, is home to numerous apple orchards that play a key role in the region’s horticulture sector. Affected farmers have called on the Horticulture Department and local authorities to conduct an immediate assessment of the damage in the impacted villages. They urged officials to visit the orchards and fields to evaluate the losses and ensure farmers receive timely support if the damage is confirmed.#kashmir_valley #budgam_district #pakherpora_area #horticulture_department #hailstorm
Orchards, crops hit as hailstorm strikes Budgam A sudden hailstorm struck parts of central Kashmir’s Budgam district on Monday afternoon, damaging apple blossoms and standing crops in several villages of the Pakherpora area. Residents reported that the storm hit Kanidajan and nearby villages unexpectedly, though it lasted only a short time. Despite its brief duration, the intensity of the hailstones caused significant damage to orchards and agricultural fields, raising concerns among farmers about potential losses to this year’s harvest. Local farmers described the hailstones as striking apple trees during a critical phase of the horticulture cycle, when blossoms are in full bloom. Orchard owners noted that the impact caused flowers to fall prematurely, which could jeopardize fruit formation in the coming months. One orchard owner from the area stated, “The hailstorm came suddenly and lasted only briefly, but it was strong enough to knock down many blossoms from the apple trees. This is a very sensitive stage for the crop, and we are worried the production may decline if the damage is significant.” The apple blossom stage is considered a crucial period for fruit development, as healthy blossoms are essential for proper pollination and fruit set. Damage during this phase can reduce the number of apples that develop later in the season and may lead to lower overall harvest yields. Beyond apple orchards, farmers also reported damage to seasonal crops and vegetables in nearby fields. Small patches of vegetable cultivation and early-season crops were affected by the hailstones in several areas. Budgam district, like much of the Kashmir Valley, is home to a large number of apple orchards and plays a vital role in the region’s horticulture economy.#apple_orchards #kashmir_valley #budgam_district #pakherpora_area #horticulture_department
