Shopian,7 April: Adv. Shabir Ahmad Kullay on Tuesday met the Chief Minister in Jammu to discuss the extensive damage caused by the recent hailstorm on April 6, 2026, which severely impacted horticulture, particularly apple crops, across several areas of Shopian.
During the meeting, the MLA highlighted that the sudden hailstorm caused significant losses to apple orchards, leaving farmers worried about their livelihoods. He stressed that horticulture remains the backbone of Shopian’s economy and that repeated weather-related incidents are putting immense pressure on growers.
Adv. Shabir Ahmad Kullay urged the government to bring apple crops under a comprehensive crop insurance scheme to safeguard farmers from recurring losses. He emphasized that such a scheme would provide financial security and help farmers recover quickly after natural calamities.
The MLA also called for providing subsidies on anti-hail nets, stating that these protective measures could help minimize damage to orchards during extreme weather events. He further stressed the need to strengthen the horticulture sector by introducing modern techniques and infrastructure support for growers in the district.
Kullay appealed to the government to conduct an immediate assessment of the damage and ensure timely relief and compensation for affected farmers. He urged authorities to take concrete and long-term measures to protect the horticulture sector and support farmers facing repeated losses due to unpredictable weather conditions.
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