SHOPIAN: Former MLA Wachi (now Zainapora), Aijaz Mir, on Tuesday visited several hailstorm-affected areas of Shopian in South Kashmir and expressed deep concern over the extensive damage caused to orchards and apple bloom.
The areas visited included Mutagen, Feeripora, Pudsoo, Adigen, and Kanjiullar, where farmers have reportedly suffered heavy losses due to the recent hailstorm. Mir interacted with local growers and assessed the ground situation, describing the damage as “immense and deeply concerning.”
Highlighting the recurring nature of such natural calamities, Mir urged the government to take immediate and long-term measures to safeguard the horticulture sector, which forms the backbone of the region’s economy. He called for the provision of hail nets to farmers at subsidized rates to protect orchards from future damage.
The former legislator also stressed the need to bring apple crops under a comprehensive crop insurance scheme, ensuring financial protection for farmers against unpredictable weather events.
In addition, Mir pressed the government to fulfill its promise made during the Assembly election campaign by waiving off Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans. He said such a step would provide much-needed relief to the distressed farming community grappling with repeated losses.
Local farmers echoed similar concerns and appealed to authorities for swift intervention to mitigate their hardships and prevent further economic strain.
