Srinagar, Oct 9: Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Friday urged the authorities to promptly assess losses caused by the recent hailstorm and provide adequate compensation to affected farmers and orchardists across Kashmir.
Bukhari expressed concern over extensive damage to standing crops and orchards in several villages of North and South Kashmir, particularly in parts of Sopore and Shopian, following Thursday’s hailstorm.
In a statement, he said the damage to apple orchards was particularly distressing as it had occurred just weeks before the peak harvesting season, threatening the livelihoods of growers who had invested months of hard work in their produce.
He also expressed grief over a fire incident in Sempora, Sopore, where an apple storage shed containing harvested produce was gutted, causing substantial financial losses to the affected fruit grower. The fire reportedly broke out following a short circuit in a power transformer amid rain and gusty winds.
Calling for immediate intervention, Bukhari urged the administration to assess the damage without delay and ensure timely financial assistance to affected farmers and orchardists.
He said prompt compensation was essential to help growers recover from their losses and protect their livelihoods.
