Heavy rain, hailstorm ruin crops in Kullu, Mandi

Tribune News Service

Mandi, May 20

Heavy rain and hailstorm caused considerable loss to crops in several parts of Kullu and Mandi districts last night which left farmers in a state of shock.

A hailstorm struck the Chohar valley in Mandi while at Anni in Kullu, a considerable loss to apple crop was reported.

Similarly, at Karsog in Mandi, hailstorm hit Jhungi, Tatahar, Tanog, Jogi Kufri, Baag, Rons, Kandha, Matyog, Bhyana, Shanog and Nihri on May 18 damaging the fruit crop, besides wheat crop, which was ready for harvest.

For the past many years, weather vagary has impacted the crop and affected the economy drastically.

Bhag Chand, native of Nihri, said on May 18 at Damhar Kthiuni, Lamdah and few other villages, a hailstorm occurred for around 30 minutes, which damaged the crop and ruined apple flowerings.

Similarly, Mangat Ram, Dilip Kumar and Jai Singh, native of Anni, said yesterday a hailstorm wreaked havoc to apple orchards in Khanag, Jaban, Jalori and the Raghupur valley of Anni in Kullu.

Farmers were seeking relief from the government to cope with the situation. Weathermen have predicted more rain in the coming days and orchardists of Mandi and Kullu were worried about their crop.

According to the Horticulture Department, last month Rs 3 crore fruit crop loss was reported in Mandi and Kullu districts because of inclement weather.

The financial position of people depends on the seasonal crops.

Talking to the Tribune here, Deputy Director, Horticulture, Amar Prakash Gupta said the department would assess the loss in the coming days and report be submitted to the higher authority for consideration.