Friday 7th Aug, 2026
Windstorm Wreaks Havoc on Hermain Apple Orchards, Growers Face Heavy Losses
Shopian, Aug 7: A powerful spell of strong winds and adverse weather has wreaked havoc on apple orchards across several villages of Hermain in Shopian, causing extensive damage to trees and knocking down a substantial quantity of fruit, leaving local orchardists staring at major financial losses.
The sudden weather assault has dealt a severe blow to growers at a crucial stage of the horticulture season, with farmers reporting widespread damage across their orchards. Several apple trees have been affected, while a significant quantity of fruit has fallen prematurely due to the strong winds.
In view of the reported losses, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Zainapora, Bilal Ahmad (JKAS), on Thursday visited the wind-affected villages of Hermain to assess the situation on the ground and take stock of the damage suffered by orchardists.
During the field visit, the SDM inspected damaged orchards and interacted with affected growers to ascertain the extent of losses. Farmers apprised the visiting team of the damage caused to their orchards and expressed serious concern over the economic impact of the windstorm.
For many families in the area, apple cultivation remains a key source of livelihood, and the widespread damage has added to concerns over the financial sustainability of the current crop season.
The premature fall of apples is particularly worrying for growers, as the damage at this stage could translate into substantial losses at the time of harvesting. Farmers have called for a comprehensive assessment of the affected orchards and appropriate measures to provide relief to those who have suffered losses.
The administration’s visit comes as orchardists seek timely intervention and support in the wake of the weather-related damage. A detailed assessment of the losses is expected to provide a clearer picture of the overall impact of the windstorm on the horticulture sector in the affected areas.
The latest damage has once again highlighted the vulnerability of the region’s vital apple industry to sudden and severe weather events, with growers now hoping for timely assistance to mitigate the losses suffered during the ongoing season.