Srinagar: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has pledged its support to the fruit growers of Kulgam and Shopian districts in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, facing significant losses due to high-speed winds. The recent weather event resulted in extensive damage to orchards, affecting the livelihoods of numerous farming families in the region.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the intense winds caused mature apples to be blown off the trees, affecting orchards that span thousands of kanals. Some villages experienced severe devastation, resembling the effects of carpet bombing on the apple orchards, leaving hundreds of fruit growers in distress and their families in despair.
The KCCI has called on local authorities to provide substantial compensation to the affected growers, aiming to offer relief and support as they navigate the challenging period ahead. This financial aid is seen as crucial for helping the families sustain themselves during these tough times.
Furthermore, the KCCI has urged for a rapid assessment of the damages to the crops and for the compensation to be expedited to the affected farmers. This action is demanded to mitigate the adverse effects of the disaster and aid in the recovery of the local agricultural sector.