Damage caused to fruit trees due to snowfall
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 23: Apni Party president Syed Mohd Altaf Bukhari today expressed deep concern over the immense losses incurred upon the orchardists due to recent unseasonal heavy snowfall.
In a statement issued here, Bukhari said the early heavy snowfall has startled the fruit growers across Kashmir division as the apple-picking was still under process at various places. “The orchardists have to face devastating losses due to this untimely snow. It is not just limited to their yearly produce but even the apple trees have been utterly damaged due to which its repercussions have increased manifold,” he said.
Bukhari asserted that the Department of Horticulture must initiate prompt assessment drives in all the districts wherever the produce and trees have been damaged and also compensate the fruit growers whose lives have been hit with this ominous calamity.
“The Government must act speedily to reach out to these orchardists whose hopes have been crushed due to this inclement weather conditions. They must be provided with appropriate compensation besides giving them an extension in loan moratoriums, if any,” Bukhari added.
He further urged the Government to bring in comprehensive crop insurance schemes where the produce of the farmers and fruit growers is fully covered in case of such natural calamities.
Bukhari also expressed deep grief over the demise of three family members of nomads whose makeshift tent got buried under the soil debris at Noorpora-Tral due to incessant rains.
Expressing serious concern over the losses caused to orchardists by untimely snowfall in the Kashmir valley, CPI (M) leader Mohd Yousuf Tarigami today demanded immediate compensation to the affected growers.
A large number of fruit bearing trees are reported to have suffered damages due to unseasonal snowfall, witnessed in several parts of Kashmir valley. Reportedly 50% fruit crop was yet to be harvested in twin districts of Shopian and Kulgam. There should be immediate assessment of losses suffered by the orchardists.
“The Government must depute expert teams to assess the losses especially in South Kashmir which has been the worst hit,” the CPI (M) leader demanded.
He said the CPI (M) has since long been demanding for implementation of Crop Insurance Scheme in the region to benefit the orchardists and peasants’ in the event of natural calamities.
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