Srinagar, May 23 (KNS): A hailstorm accompanied by gusty winds lashed parts of the Kashmir plains in the last 24 hours, damaging apple orchards and vegetable crops, even as the upper reaches, including Razdan Pass and Tulail Valley, received fresh snowfall.
The weather activity, triggered by an active western disturbance, also led to rainfall in several plain districts, causing waterlogging in low-lying areas and affecting traffic movement on some roads during heavy showers, officials said.
In the wake of the damage, Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmad Dar announced that a weather-based crop insurance scheme will be rolled out in Jammu and Kashmir within the next two months.
"We have almost finalised a weather-based crop insurance scheme. A communication had come from the Government of India that they are revising the insurance policy across the country. That process is now in the final stage and will be completed in a month or two," Dar told the news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) over the phone.
The minister said budget provisions have already been made, and horticulture crops, including saffron and apple, will be covered under the scheme.
Minister Dar said he has directed his directorates of Agriculture and Horticulture to form teams for on-ground assessment of the affected areas. "After the assessment, whatever relief is prescribed under the SDRF norms, according to that we will give them relief," he said.
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Clarifying the government's position on aid, he said, "I will not say compensation; compensation is mutual. Relief is assistance from the government. When the assessment comes to us, and we send it to the DC, relief will follow accordingly."
Responding to concerns raised by farmers in north Kashmir about loans taken under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme, Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmad Dar said the government is prioritising a long-term solution. "We are intensifying the weather-based crop insurance scheme. As soon as all formalities are completed, it will be implemented here immediately," he added.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department said weather conditions are likely to remain unstable over the next few days. Dry weather is expected during the forenoon between May 23 and 25, with brief showers possible towards late afternoon at scattered places.
From May 26 to 28, the weather is likely to remain mainly hot and dry across Jammu and Kashmir. Brief showers are expected at a few places between May 29 and 31.
The MeT department has advised people, especially those in vulnerable and mountainous areas, to exercise caution during thunderstorms, gusty winds and hailstorm activity. (KNS)