Natural Disaster Destroys 1.2 Lakh Fruit-Bearing Plants in Mandi District

Mandi, August 22:
The recent natural disaster in Mandi district has not only washed away homes but also devastated horticulture on a massive scale. According to the district horticulture department, over 1.2 lakh fruit-bearing plants have been destroyed, with estimated losses exceeding ₹40 crore so far. Officials note that the assessment process is still underway.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Deputy Director of the Horticulture Department, informed that losses to the apple crop alone amount to more than ₹32 crore. Around 404 hectares of orchard land has been ruined, with nearly 75% of the apple harvest wiped out. The worst-hit area is Seraj Valley. In addition, damages worth ₹6 crore have been reported to polyhouses, with 5.3 hectares of land washed away.

Losses to other crops have also been severe. According to departmental data from the past two months:

• Stone fruits: ₹1.63 crore, 50 hectares affected

• Pears: ₹1.75 lakh, 3.2 hectares

• Almonds: ₹80,000, 1.28 hectares

• Mangoes: ₹9.38 lakh, 23.6 hectares

• Pomegranates: ₹2.6 lakh, 0.8 hectares

• Citrus fruits: ₹8.22 lakh, 15.8 hectares

• Guavas: ₹7.25 lakh, 8 hectares

• Dates: ₹9.27 lakh, 2.5 hectares

• Polyhouses: ₹5.67 crore, 5.3 hectares

Overall, the disaster has impacted an estimated 500 metric tonnes of fruit production across the district.

Dr. Gupta added that departmental teams have been continuously carrying out surveys for the past two months, and reports are being forwarded to the government through senior officials. Once compensation is sanctioned, affected farmers will receive relief as per the prescribed norms. In addition, orchardists covered under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) can claim insured amounts from their respective companies.