Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, April 7

A sudden hailstorm has caused widespread damage to apple orchards across parts of south Kashmir, with farmers reporting heavy losses in at least 32 villages, officials and growers said.

The storm struck Monday afternoon, hitting orchards in Kulgam and parts of Shopian at a critical flowering stage, when trees were in full bloom.

Farmers said the impact was severe, with blossoms knocked off trees within minutes, raising fears of sharply reduced yields this season.

“I just kept watching. It all happened very fast,” said Ali Muhammad Dar, a 70-year-old farmer from Nihama village, describing how hailstones battered his orchard for about 30 minutes.

Dar said he had taken a loan under the Kisan Credit Card scheme and invested in fertilisers and pesticides, only to see much of the crop destroyed.

Other growers reported similar losses. 

Ata Muhammad, who owns about 8 kanal of land, said the damage was widespread. 

“In many orchards, there is nothing left now,” he said, adding that apple farming is the main source of livelihood for most families in the area.

The storm affected more than 30 villages, with upper areas suffering the worst damage as trees were at peak bloom, while lower areas also reported significant losses.

Muhammad Ayub, a grower from Naklipora, said the damage extended across farm sizes. 

“The loss in many places is total,” he said.

Villages in Kulgam, including Nihama, Laisoo, Gudar, Manzgam, Watoo, Bathipora and Lakedpora, reported heavy losses. 

In Shopian, Kellar, Balpora, Shirmal, Amshipora, and Sedaw were among the affected areas.

President of the Fruit Growers Association, South Kashmir, G M Banday, said the timing of the storm could have lasting consequences. 

“If the flower is gone, the fruit will not come,” he said, estimating damage in some areas at 70 percent to 80 percent.

Farmers said extreme weather during the flowering stage has become more frequent in recent years, compounding financial stress as many rely on loans to sustain their orchards.

They have demanded compensation and loan waivers from the government.

Meanwhile, cabinet minister Sakina Itoo said 26 villages in Kulgam and seven in Shopian were affected. 

She directed officials to carry out a detailed assessment and ensure relief for farmers.

“Teams from the agriculture and revenue departments have been sent to assess the losses,” she said, expressing solidarity with those affected.