In a severe blow to Kashmir’s economy and agricultural identity, a powerful hailstorm followed by heavy rainfall and landslides has devastated apple orchards across the region. The storm, though brief, caused widespread destruction to unharvested crops in districts such as Shopian, Anantnag, Baramulla, Pulwama, Kulgam, and Budgam—areas central to India’s apple production.

Kashmir contributes nearly 75% of the country’s total apple output, making horticulture, particularly apple farming, a cornerstone of the region’s economy. The recent storm has flattened entire orchards, stripping trees of fruit, leaves, and branches just months ahead of harvest. Farmers report total crop loss in many areas, with unripe apples destroyed before reaching maturity.

One local grower expressed the emotional toll, stating, “This orchard has been in our family for three generations. It fed us and educated our children. Now, it’s all gone.”

The damage comes at a critical time when apple farmers were preparing for the harvest season, a period vital for income generation that sustains thousands of households annually. The storm has not only disrupted this cycle but has pushed many growers into economic uncertainty. With no alternative income sources, the loss is especially severe for small-scale farmers who rely solely on their orchards.

Compounding the crisis, the heavy rainfall triggered landslides in hilly areas, particularly in Ramban district and along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. These landslides have blocked major transportation routes, delaying the movement of supplies and emergency services. Some families have lost their homes, stored produce, and livestock, further compounding the losses suffered by the orchardists.

Agricultural officials and local leaders are calling for immediate government intervention. Key demands include prompt damage assessments, financial compensation, crop insurance payouts, replanting support, and restoration of blocked infrastructure. There is also a push for long-term resilience planning, such as investing in climate-adaptive crops and protective technologies like hail nets.

This disaster highlights the vulnerability of Kashmir’s apple sector to extreme weather, a challenge that is expected to intensify with ongoing climate change. For a region where apple farming is both an economic engine and cultural symbol, the loss goes beyond income—it strikes at the heart of community identity.

Rebuilding the apple industry in Kashmir will require coordinated action, timely aid, and long-term planning to protect both livelihoods and heritage from future threats.

Source: Kashmir Horizon