Amid growing concerns over weather-induced losses to the Horticulture and Agriculture sectors, Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, on Saturday undertook an extensive tour of hailstorm-affected areas in Rafiabad constituency of Baramulla district to assess the damage caused to crops and orchards.

During the visit, the Minister conducted on-the-spot inspection of affected agricultural fields and orchards, where the standing crops and fruit-bearing plants have suffered extensive damage following the recent hailstorm and inclement weather conditions. He interacted with the farmers, orchardists and local residents, who apprised him of the scale of losses incurred and sought immediate government intervention.

Expressing deep concern over the hardships faced by the farming community, Javid Dar assured the affected families that the government remains fully committed to support them during this challenging period. He said that all genuine cases of crop and orchard damage would be thoroughly assessed and relief measures extended in accordance with government norms.

“The welfare of farmers remains the government’s top priority. Every possible support will be provided to mitigate the losses suffered by the affected growers,” the Minister said while interacting with locals.

He directed the officers of the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments to immediately undertake a comprehensive field survey and submit a detailed assessment report at the earliest to facilitate timely compensation and relief measures.

The Minister also instructed the concerned departments to intensify awareness campaigns among the farmers regarding modern crop protection measures, disaster mitigation practices and various government-sponsored schemes aimed at safeguarding the agricultural produce from weather-related calamities. He further stressed the need for ensuring maximum coverage of farmers under crop insurance schemes as per the prescribed guidelines.

Highlighting the increasing vulnerability of the agriculture sector to extreme weather events, Javid Ahmad Dar emphasized the importance of strengthening the crop protection infrastructure and improving disaster response mechanisms to minimise future losses.

Senior officers accompanied the Minister during the tour included Director Horticulture Kashmir Vikas Anand, Deputy Director Agriculture Kashmir and other officials from the concerned departments.