Srinagar, May 14 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference Senior Vice President and former minister Abdul Gani Vakil on Friday has expressed serious concern over the damage caused to apple blossom and other standing crops due to heavy hail storm in Rafiabad.

In a statement issued to Kashmir News Service (KNS), Vakil demanded comprehensive compensation to the orchardists and farmers who suffered heavy losses due to heavy hailstorm today.

Vakil alleged that whenever natural calamities cause damage to the fruit and crops in the past also the worse affected are assured compensation and even surveys are conducted but no relief reaches to them.

Former Minister urged the UT government to go for immediate assessment of damages to fruit and disburse financial relief to the affected families without any delay.

Vakil also demanded that the Crop Insurance Scheme (CIS) must be implemented in Jammu and Kashmir so that the scheme will save the fruit growers and agriculturists in the event of losses suffered due to natural calamities.

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 fruit industry which is in shambles and strengthening the fruit grower. Vakil added.(KNS)