The government has confirmed that fruit crops covering a total of 1,435.6 hectares were damaged across Kashmir due to recent floods and hailstorms. The data was provided in response to an unstarred question by Congress leader Tariq Hameed Karra.
Of the total area affected, 846.2 hectares were damaged by floods in the South Kashmir districts of Pulwama, Anantnag, and Kulgam, while 589.4 hectares were impacted by hailstorms in Shopian district.
According to the government, only farmers who suffer losses exceeding 33 per cent are eligible for compensation under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) guidelines.
A total of 98 families were affected in Anantnag and Kulgam, and one family in Pulwama. Compensation of approximately US$9,700 (Rs 8.08 lakh) has been processed for these families.
In Shopian district, the government reported hailstorm-related damage over 589.4 hectares, resulting in crop losses valued at US$61,700 (Rs 51.43 lakh). Out of this amount, US$56,700 (Rs 47.28 lakh) has already been disbursed by the deputy commissioner to 2,036 affected families, while the remaining US$4,950 (Rs 4.15 lakh) is being processed for payment.
The government added that assessments of damage were carried out in accordance with established disaster response norms, with compensation targeted toward farmers meeting the eligibility threshold.
Source: Greater Kashmir
