Unseasonal Hailstorm Wreaks Havoc on Apple and Cash Crops in Himachal; MLA Demands Immediate Relief

Shimla, May 5:
Unseasonal rain and a powerful hailstorm earlier this month have caused severe damage to apple orchards and cash crops across Himachal Pradesh, leaving farmers and horticulturists reeling from the unexpected blow. While upper regions of the state witnessed heavy damage to apple crops, lower areas reported significant losses in vegetables and other high-value produce.

Congress MLA from Theog and AICC national spokesperson, Kuldeep Singh Rathore, has called the situation “serious” and urged the state government to immediately step in with relief measures. He emphasized that both farmers and orchardists have suffered extensive financial losses and need urgent government support.

Rathore stated, “The government must promptly assess the damage in the affected areas and ensure that fair compensation is provided to those impacted.” He further demanded that farmers with outstanding bank loans be granted a one-year moratorium on repayments to help them recover.

Appealing directly to the Chief Minister and the ministers of agriculture and horticulture, Rathore asked them to treat this as a priority and deploy field officers to the worst-hit areas. He also underscored the growing frequency of such events as a sign of climate change and urged the government to develop long-term policies to protect farmers from recurring natural disasters.

Reports from several districts indicate premature fruit drop, scorched leaves, and damaged produce. Many orchardists say that after already struggling with rising costs of fertilizers and pesticides, the hailstorm has left them with nothing to hope for this season.

Local farmer Suresh Verma shared his distress, saying, “All our hard work has gone to waste this year. Only government assistance can help us keep our families afloat now.”

It remains to be seen how swiftly and effectively the state government responds to the growing crisis facing Himachal’s agricultural community.