Jammu Farmers Suffer Major Crop Losses from Hailstorm and Unexpected Rain

Jammu Farmers Suffer Major Crop Losses from Hailstorm and Unexpected Rain

Asif Iqbal | October 20, 2023 | 10:04 AM IST | Jammu | Follow on Google News

Jammu Farmers Suffer Major Crop Losses from Hailstorm and Unexpected Rain. Image/daily excelsior

Farmers’ Plight in Jammu Region

In the plains of the Jammu region, the recent hailstorm, accompanied by relentless rain, has thrown the farming community into turmoil. Both standing and harvested Basmati crops have sustained significant damage, compounding the challenges faced by farmers.

Widespread Crop Damage

The agricultural sector has not been the only victim of this natural calamity. Besides Basmati, vegetable crops and flowers in the Kandi belt of Jammu have also incurred severe damage due to the unrelenting hailstorms and heavy rains. This consistent pattern of adverse weather conditions over the last few years has triggered concern among farmers throughout the entire Jammu region, hinting at a possible climate change crisis. Farmers are urging the government to involve agricultural universities in conducting research and providing advisories to help them cope with these changing conditions.

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Extent of Damage and Farmer Concerns

According to official reports, the Agriculture Department’s assessment indicates that Basmati crops on 32,000 hectares in Jammu district, 10,000 hectares in Samba, and 5,000 hectares in Kathua district have suffered damage due to the rains and hailstorm. The Department reports an overall loss of 60 percent across these districts. Farmers who are insured under the Fasal Bhima Yojna of the Prime Minister will receive insurance cover, but many are not covered and are appealing to the government for compensation.

Immediate Compensation Demands

The repercussions of the hailstorm and unseasonal rains are striking in Jammu and Samba districts, where the paddy crop has suffered substantial losses. Both standing Basmati crops and the harvested yield, left in the fields, have been damaged. Farmers in these areas are now demanding prompt compensation from the government to help alleviate their losses.

The 370 variety of Basmati, cultivated across the region, has been severely impacted. Additionally, various vegetable crops, such as Kadam, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Turnip, Radish, and Spinach, recently sown, were entirely devastated as the fields remained submerged in rainwater for several days.

Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.