Nasir Khuehami
Srinagar, Jun 12 (KNS): Heavy rains and hailstorm since Tuesday caused huge damage to the crops and various kinds of vegetables in various areas of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, thus leaving farmers in distress over expected losses.

Locals from Watapora, Qazipora, Kaloosa and its adjoining areas told Kashmir News Service (KNS) heavy rains, wind and hailstorm damaged crops and various kinds of fruits and vegetables in the district.

For the past two days, hailstorm and heavy rains damaged crops, fruits and vegetables in several areas of north Kashmir due to which farmers and fruit growers are in worry.

The windy storm triggered by heavy rainfall has lead to massive damage of crops on which farmers depend for their livelihood.

In various areas of district, incessant rainfall led to water logging due to which crops worth lacs destroyed.

Farmers of these areas have expressed disappointment and said they have been incurring heavy losses due to incessant rains which have damaged their standing crops and vegetables.

Ghulam Mohiuddin Bhat, one of the prominent Fruit Grower of Bandipora district said that he has suffered at least 80 to 90 percent damage due to heavy hailstorm and rains.

He added this year they had expected a good crop, but the hailstorm has not only dashed their hope but also left them in desperation.

He said that “our entire crops, vegetables were damaged. We are facing much difficulty. We are poor people; we only survive on our crops. Now it's all gone.”

Bhat said that government should come and look into this and provide us help. Located about 2.5 kilometers from Bandipora town, Watapora is known for its production of quality vegetables, but the excessive and heavy rainfall has ruined the potential crop of vegetables.

Meanwhile, farmers of these areas urged the Government to extend their help to farmers who are have lost their produce due to unexpected and heavy rainfall.

They urged Govt to depute their teams to assess the damage caused by heavy rains and hailstorm. They also demanded compensation to the affected farmers and fruit growers. (KNS)