SRINAGAR: President of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) and former Minister, Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen, on Saturday expressed deep grief and concern over the extensive damage caused to fruit orchards due to a severe hailstorm in various parts of Kashmir, including several areas of Budgam district such as Khansahib.
In a statement issued here, Hakeem Yaseen said that the untimely hailstorm has dealt a heavy blow to horticulturists in Khansahib, Burewa and other areas of the district, who were already grappling with economic challenges. âThe losses suffered by the orchardists are substantial, and the government must immediately send special teams to assess the ground situation and evaluate the extent of damage,â he said.
He urged the administration to ensure that affected farmers and orchardists are provided adequate compensation within a fixed timeframe so they can recover from this setback. In addition to immediate relief measures, Hakeem Yaseen also called on the government to consider a complete waiver of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans for the affected growers, stating that such a step is crucial to ease their financial burden during this difficult time.
âThe government must act swiftly and sensitively to support the backbone of our rural economy. Horticulture is not just a livelihood but a way of life for thousands in Kashmir,â he added.
