Avinash Azad
Apple growers in the Zainapora constituency of Kashmir’s Shopian district suffered significant losses due to a destructive hailstorm that struck during the critical harvesting season in September 2024, prompting a swift response from the Jammu and Kashmir government.
In response to a query raised by MLA Showkat Hussain Ganie, the government has detailed the extent of the damage, the subsequent assessment process, and the relief measures initiated to support affected orchardists across 24 villages.
Hailstorm Wreaks Havoc on Apple Harvest
MLA Ganie sought clarification from the government on whether apple crops in Zainapora constituency had indeed suffered extensive damage due to a hailstorm and, if so, what steps had been taken to assess and compensate for the losses. The government confirmed the calamity, stating, “Hailstorm has affected apple crop in twenty-four (24) villages of Zainapora Constituency during harvesting season in September 2024.”
The timing of the hailstorm—coinciding with the peak harvesting period—amplified its impact, as apples, a cornerstone of Kashmir’s economy, were either damaged on the trees or rendered unsellable due to bruising and blemishes. Zainapora, located in Shopian district—often dubbed the “Apple Bowl of Kashmir”—is home to thousands of orchardists who rely heavily on the annual harvest for their livelihoods. The sudden natural disaster threatened to upend their economic stability, prompting urgent calls for government intervention.
Survey and Assessment: A Joint Effort
Following the hailstorm, a comprehensive survey was conducted to gauge the scale of the damage. The government revealed that the Chief Horticulture Officer, Shopian, collaborated with the Revenue and Agriculture Departments to assess the losses. The survey report, finalized and submitted to the District Administration Shopian on October 28, 2024, provided a detailed account of the affected areas and orchardists, laying the groundwork for relief distribution.
“The swift coordination between departments ensured that the losses were documented accurately and promptly,” a senior official from the Horticulture Department noted. “This was critical to expedite relief under natural calamity norms.”
Relief Measures: Rs 87.98 Lakh Disbursed
Based on the survey findings, the District Administration Shopian tapped into the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to provide financial assistance to the affected growers. As of March 16, 2025, a total of 3,145 orchardists have received relief amounting to Rs 87.98 lakh. The compensation, disbursed under SDRF norms, aims to mitigate the economic blow dealt by the hailstorm, though the government did not specify the per-orchardist payout or whether additional funds are planned.
The SDRF, designed to address losses from natural disasters, follows standardized guidelines for relief allocation, which typically factor in the extent of crop damage and land area affected. While the Rs 87.98 lakh disbursement marks a significant step, some local growers have expressed concerns that the amount may not fully cover their losses, given the high market value of Kashmir’s apples and the costs incurred during the growing season.
A Mixed Response from the Ground
While the government’s actions have been praised for their speed, voices from Zainapora suggest that more support may be needed. “The hailstorm destroyed nearly half my crop just as I was about to harvest,” said Ghulam Mohammad, an orchardist from one of the affected villages. “The relief helps, but it’s not enough to recover what we lost this year.”
Kashmir’s Apple Economy Under Threat?
The Zainapora hailstorm is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of Kashmir’s apple industry to erratic weather patterns, a challenge increasingly linked to climate change. Shopian district alone contributes a substantial share of the region’s apple production, with exports reaching markets across India and beyond. Natural disasters like this not only affect individual growers but also ripple through the local economy, impacting laborers, transporters, and traders. The government’s reliance on SDRF norms, while pragmatic, highlights a broader question: Are existing disaster relief frameworks adequate to protect Kashmir’s agrarian backbone in an era of intensifying climate risks? For now, the Rs 87.98 lakh relief package offers a lifeline to Zainapora’s orchardists, but the road to recovery remains steep.
