Budgam, September 12, : A sudden hailstorm accompanied by strong winds during the intervening night damaged standing crops and orchards across parts of Beerwah in Budgam district, with farmers reporting losses to fruit trees, agricultural crops and other produce and urging the administration to initiate an immediate assessment of the damage.The hailstorm, which struck Beerwah suddenly, affected agricultural fields and orchards, according to farmers. They said the intensity of the hail and strong winds caused damage to fruit-bearing trees and standing crops, raising concerns over the impact on their seasonal agricultural income.Farmers said the damage has come at a time when they were expecting returns from their crops and orchards after months of cultivation and care. They said an assessment of the affected fields and orchards was necessary to establish the actual extent of the losses.The affected farmers have urged the concerned departments to send teams to the area and conduct an early on-ground survey of the damaged crops and orchards. They said a timely assessment would enable the authorities to document the losses and determine the assistance required by the affected farming families.Farmers have also appealed to the administration to provide compensation or relief under applicable government provisions, saying financial assistance would help them deal with the losses caused by the weather event.They urged the concerned authorities to expedite the assessment process and ensure that affected farmers are provided necessary assistance after the damage is formally assessed.Further details regarding the extent of damage and any official assessment by the administration are awaited. [KNT]
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