Shopian, known as the apple bowl of Kashmir, witnessed a devastating hailstorm this evening swept through vast stretches of orchards, leaving behind a trail of destruction. What makes this weather event more catastrophic is its unfortunate timing — it hit right in the middle of the apple bloom season, a critical phase that determines the quality and quantity of the annual harvest. The damage is not just seasonal; it’s emotional and economic, affecting thousands of families dependent on horticulture for survival.
The apple bloom period is a delicate phase when flowers on apple trees blossom, eventually turning into fruit. Any disturbance during this time — especially in the form of hail — can severely hamper fruit formation. The recent hailstorm in Shopian and adjacent villages such as Keller,Trenz, Pahnoo,Turkwangam etc ,as damaged a large portion of these blooms. Many orchards are now covered with shredded petals, bruised buds, and broken branches. The layer of ice that followed the storm added to the injury, causing stress to both trees and the soil beneath them.
Farmers, some of whom had spent weeks preparing their orchards with sprays, fertilizers, and bloom care, now face uncertainty. The storm has put a question mark on this year’s yield, with early estimates suggesting that losses could run into crores of rupees.
Post-Hailstorm Crop Management
In the aftermath, horticulture experts are urging orchardists to act swiftly to minimize long-term damage. Immediate measures include the application of fungicides to prevent secondary infections like scab, collar rot, and other fungal issues that are likely after hail damage. Sprays containing copper and mancozeb are being recommended, along with growth regulators to stabilize the trees.
However, access to these inputs and guidance on their correct usage remains limited for many small orchardists. This is where the role of the agricultural and horticultural extension services becomes crucial. Mobile units, helplines, and quick on-ground support can help farmers manage the situation better and prepare for the season ahead, even if it yields less than expected.
The hailstorm has once again brought to the fore the urgent need for effective crop insurance schemes in Kashmir. While the government has introduced the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and other local variants, the ground reality remains grim. Enrollment in these schemes is low due to a lack of awareness, complex procedures, and skepticism about timely compensation.
This is a moment for the government and insurance companies to come forward and simplify the claim processes, encourage enrollment, and ensure that assessments are done transparently. A well-structured crop insurance scheme can cushion the blow for farmers facing natural calamities and restore their confidence in the system.
Another critical issue that needs immediate attention is the settlement and restructuring of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans disbursed through Jammu & Kashmir Bank. With back-to-back losses due to weather extremes, many farmers are now caught in a debt trap. Their inability to repay loans on time is affecting their credit scores, further limiting their access to future loans and support schemes.
The administration must step in to provide a moratorium period for affected farmers, restructure their loan repayments, and waive off interest for the worst-hit. The RBI and UT-level administration should consider declaring the hailstorm-affected areas as “distress zones,” enabling special financial relief packages for orchardists.
Furthermore, the JK Bank — being the primary financer of horticulture in Kashmir — must adopt a more farmer-friendly approach, including on-ground assessments, flexible repayment structures, and active participation in damage evaluation committees.
As climate change continues to make weather more unpredictable, traditional farming and orchard practices must evolve. One of the most effective ways to protect apple orchards from hail is the use of hail nets — protective mesh canopies that shield the crops from falling hailstones. However, the high cost of these nets makes them inaccessible for most small and medium orchard owners.This is where the government and horticulture department need to play a proactive role. Subsidizing hail nets by 70–80% under state or central schemes can make a huge difference. Additionally, providing technical support for their installation and maintenance from HADP can help orchardists transition to climate-resilient practices.The focus should especially be on traditional orchards, which have older trees and are more vulnerable to mechanical damage due to hail. Revamping these orchards with structural support, netting, and better spacing could be the first step in modernizing Kashmir’s apple industry.
The recent disaster is a stark reminder that horticulture in Kashmir — especially apple cultivation — is increasingly vulnerable. It’s time for collective action. The agricultural and horticultural fraternity — including universities, research stations, NGOs, and progressive growers — must step up with awareness campaigns, real-time advisory services, and field demonstrations on climate-resilient practices.Workshops on post-hailstorm treatment, access to emergency kits, and group insurance models can provide immediate relief and long-term security. Institutions like SKUAST-Kashmir should also collaborate with the private sector to innovate in orchard design, disease control, and disaster management.At the same time, political and administrative leadership must rise above bureaucratic hurdles and show urgency in reaching out to the affected population. Time-bound surveys, rapid compensation disbursement, and continuous monitoring will go a long way in rebuilding trust between farmers and the system.The hailstorm in Shopian has done more than just damage apple blooms — it has exposed the fragility of an entire ecosystem built around horticulture. But in this adversity lies an opportunity: to rethink, rebuild, and reform. With the right support, timely interventions, and a collaborative approach, the region can not only recover but emerge stronger and better prepared for the future.
Let this be a turning point — not just in the season, but in the story of Kashmir’s apple economy.
The author is working at Ambri Apple Research Centre ,Pahnoo Shopian SKUAST-K, Shalimar
and can be reached at [email protected]
