Jammu, Apr 20 : MLA Rafiabad,Yawar Dilawar Mir has expressed his sorrow over the massive damage caused to horticulture crop in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district especially in Rafiabad area due to devastating hailstorm late last night. He said the torrential hails have wreaked havoc with the blossom of apple, pear, cherry and other fruit varieties which was in full bloom. He has urged the government to provide ex-gratia relief to the affected farmers and fruit traders immediately till their losses are assessed by the joint teams of horticulture, agriculture and revenue officers for loss compensation.
Yawar Mir also asked the experts of SKUAST, horticulture and agriculture departments to conduct joint inspection of hail hit orchards to suggest scientific remedial measures so that damage caused to standing crop and fruits is off set to some extent.”District administration Baramulla has to play a pro-active role in mitigating sufferings of the affected farmers with social commitment in the wake of this natural calamity,” Yawar Mir said adding that he will take up the matter with the concerned Ministers of horticulture , agriculture and revenue departments.
Yawar Mir has also demanded to bring both horticulture and agriculture sectors under the ambit of a viable insurance scheme without wasting further time, to come to the rescue of poor farming community, which is most susceptible to weather vagaries.