Altaf Bukhari Urges Administration to Assess Crop Losses from Winds and Hailstorm

Srinagar, September 3: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari expressed deep sorrow over the significant losses suffered by fruit growers and farmers due to the recent hailstorm in South Kashmir’s Shopian and Kulgam districts. Bukhari called on the administration to conduct a thorough assessment of the crop damage to ensure adequate compensation for those affected.

Bukhari emphasized that if the Apni Party secures a public mandate in the upcoming assembly elections, it will introduce a special compensation package for the orchardists and farmers who have been severely impacted by the gusty winds and hailstorm.

The recent heavy rains, hailstorms, and strong winds have caused extensive damage to agricultural crops, particularly in the villages of Shopian and Kulgam. Among the worst-hit villages in Shopian are Wachi, Kapran, Rawalpora, Kachdora, Kachdora Check, Vehil, Zaipora, and Reshnagri. In Kulgam, the most affected areas include Pombay, Arreh, Kadder, Qazigund, and nearby regions.

In his statement, Bukhari expressed his sadness over the extensive damage to apple crops and urged the administration to deploy official teams to assess the losses. He assured the affected farmers that, if given the mandate, the Apni Party would announce a special compensation package for them.

Bukhari reaffirmed the Apni Party’s commitment to stand in solidarity with the victims during these challenging times, pledging to ensure that fair compensation is secured for those who have suffered due to the adverse weather conditions.