Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Mar 21: Week-long incessant rains and snowfall in Kashmir has damaged almond and cherry crop in South Kashmir with growers claiming that losses are upto 60 percent.
This year, there were already apprehensions that rainfall might damage the crops as there was early bloom. The apprehensions of growers however turned into reality as the rains and snow damaged the almond and cherry crop in scores of South Kashmir villages.
The villages where almond and cherry crop have been damaged included Wahibogh, Koil, Ghusoo, Newa, Malangpora and Wakharwan in south Kashmir. Muhammad Anwar Bhat, an almond and cherry grower said nearly 60 percent of the crops have been damaged.
Nazir Ahmad, another almond grower, said that the snow and rains is main reason for the losses.
Director Horticulture, Pawan Sharma, when contacted said he has not received any report of damage so far but added that at some places hail storm might have resulted in damage. “Still, I will verify the claims of growers,” he said.
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