Hailstorm Ravages Shopian Apple Orchards, Farmers Report Heavy Crop Damage.

SHOPIAN: A powerful hailstorm struck several villages of south Kashmir’s Shopian district during the early hours of Friday, causing significant damage to apple orchards and triggering concern among local fruit growers.The sudden hailstorm hit major apple-producing areas including Pinjora, Largam, Gagren, and Kanipora, where farmers said the intense weather lasted nearly 10 to 15 minutes.Local orchardists told Greater Kashmir that the hailstones damaged both apple fruit and leaves at a crucial stage of the season, raising fears of major financial losses.Mohammad Ashraf Wani, president of Fruit Mandi Shopian, said the hailstorm caused an estimated 15 to 20 percent damage to orchards in affected areas, though the actual assessment is still underway.“This is another major setback for apple growers. The full extent of the damage will become clear after detailed inspection,” he said.Farmers from different villages claimed the crop damage could be as high as 25 to 30 percent in some areas due to the intensity of the hailstorm.Fayaz Ahmad, an orchardist from Largam village, said the pea-sized hailstones badly damaged his apple orchard spread over eight kanals.“The hailstorm continued for nearly 15 minutes and caused serious damage to fruit and leaves,” he said.This is reportedly the third hailstorm to hit Shopian district during the current season, creating panic among fruit growers already worried about weather-related losses.Affected farmers have urged the administration to conduct immediate damage assessment and provide adequate compensation to orchard owners facing heavy losses.