Rafiabad May 30 (KNS): Sr Vice President J&K Peoples Conference and Former minister Abdul Gani Vakil expressed concerns over the damage caused to apple blossom and other standing crops especially vegetables due to heavy hailstorm in several areas of Rafiabad yesterday which include Hachepora, Sheikhpora, Bakhipora, Chatoosa, Waripora, Harduchanam and many other adjacent villages. Vakil urged the UT government to go for immediate assessment of damages caused to due to this heavy hailstorm and disburse financial relief to the affected families without any delay. Vakil alleged that whenever natural calamities cause damage to the fruit and crops, the worse affected are assured compensation and even surveys are conducted but no relief reaches to them.
Vakil demanded a comprehensive package for fruit (Apple) growers who have been suffering maximum losses over the years due to natural calamities and political upheaval. He lambasted at the UT government saying the govt has failed to keep up with the promises done with the fruit growers like waiving off KCC loans because of which the economic backbone of Kashmir is crippling. Vakil expressed surprise over the government's step motherly treatment towards apple industry which is among the main economic sectors of J&K. " If government continues to overlook this vital apple sector, and fail to revive the industry, it will leave thousands of people jobless," he added.(KNS)