Rafiabad May 08 (KNS): J&K Peoples Conference Senior Vice President and Former Minister Abdul Gani Vakil today while  touring several villages of upper-belt of Rafiabad including Braman, Kutru Naribal, Balhama, Khahmoh,and Brandub expressed concern over the damage caused to Fruit and Vegetable crops due to heavy hail storm in the area. Abdul Gani Vakil said  hailstorm has created havoc and has  destroyed Fruit and Vegetable crops which has incurred huge losses to farmers and fruit growers of the area.
Former Minister  expressed sympathies with the affected people of the area demanded a special economic package for fruit growers and farmers  who have suffered losses due to heavy hailstorm.

While interacting with locals of the area Vakil said that whenever natural calamities cause damage to the crops, the worse affected were assured compensation and even surveys are being conducted. "But no relief reaches to the affected farmers," he said.
Vakil urged the government to go for immediate assessment of damages to fruit and vegetable crops and disburse financial relief to the affected families without any delay as they have already suffered heavy losses in last five years

"Waiving of the KCC loan is the need of the hour at this crucial juncture which can be helpful to a great extent in reviving the horticulture sector which is in shambles," Vakil added. (KNS)