Kulgam, April 20, 2025: In the wake of the devastating hailstorm that struck South Kashmir on April 18–19, Zaman Irshad Parray, the Jammu & Kashmir UT General Secretary of Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] and a practicing advocate at the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, has issued an urgent appeal to the administration for immediate compensation to affected farmers and a comprehensive strategy to tackle the recurring natural calamity.
The unseasonal hailstorm, which ravaged apple, almond, cherry, apricot, walnut, plum, and vegetable crops, caused severe damage across the districts of Kulgam, Shopian, Pulwama, and Anantnag. In Kulgam alone, over 58 villages including Kellar, Balpora, and Shirmal reported significant losses. The timing of the storm, coinciding with the flowering stage of key crops, has raised serious concerns about the upcoming harvest and the financial stability of thousands of farming families.
“As a son of Kulgam, I am deeply pained by the recurring tragedy faced by our farmers,” Parray said in a statement. “These hailstorms are not isolated events but an annual threat that destroys livelihoods. The administration must move beyond temporary relief and adopt a long-term, farmer-centric approach.”
Parray outlined a four-point strategy to mitigate the damage and build resilience among South Kashmir’s orchardists:
- Immediate Compensation: Swift assessment and disbursal of fair compensation to all affected farmers.
- Subsidized Anti-Hail Nets: Provision of protective gear and anti-hail nets at subsidized rates to small and marginal farmers.
- Comprehensive Policy Framework: A long-term solution including early warning systems, tailored crop insurance, investment in climate-resilient practices, and hail suppression technologies.
- Loan Relief Measures: Waiver or restructuring of Kisan Credit Card loans to alleviate financial distress.
Parray also emphasized the cultural and economic importance of orchardists in the region:
“They are not just cultivators; they are custodians of our heritage and a cornerstone of the local economy. Protecting them is both a necessity and a moral duty.”
He assured that he would raise the issue at both regional and national levels, in coordination with JD(U) J&K President G. M. Shaheen and the broader NDA alliance. Parray called for a united front involving political leadership, civil society, and the administration to address the agrarian crisis holistically.
“We cannot let these disasters continue unchecked. Our farmers deserve not only relief but respect, protection, and sustainable support,” he added.
The Office of Advocate Zaman Irshad Parray reaffirmed its commitment to standing by South Kashmir’s farmers and ensuring that their plight receives the attention and action it urgently demands.
