Tanveer Hussain
Budgam, September 18: Social and senior political leader Mohd Ashraf Lone has appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the Lieutenant Governor’s Administration, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir and Deputy Commissioner Budgam to take immediate cognizance of the extensive losses reportedly suffered by farmers and fruit growers due to the recent hailstorm and strong winds in various parts of Budgam district, particularly in the Beerwah constituency.
Mohd Ashraf Lone said that the recent adverse weather conditions have caused considerable damage to standing paddy and vegetable crops, orchards, fruit-bearing trees and other agricultural and horticultural produce. He said farmers in several areas of Beerwah have reported damage to their crops and orchards at a crucial stage of the agricultural season, when many were expecting to harvest their produce after months of hard work and investment.
Appeal for Immediate Damage Assessment.Mohd Ashraf Lone urged the district administration to constitute joint assessment teams comprising officials from the Revenue, Agriculture and Horticulture departments and conduct field visits to all affected villages. He called for a transparent, comprehensive and scientific assessment of the losses.
He said the assessment should cover standing paddy and other crops, vegetables, apple and other fruit orchards, fruit-bearing trees and seasonal agricultural produce. Special attention should also be given to crops and produce that were nearing the harvesting stage.
He stressed that Beerwah and adjoining areas should receive particular attention, as farmers have reported substantial losses. He urged the authorities to complete the assessment at the earliest so that no genuinely affected farmer is deprived of relief due to delays in verification or documentation.
Appeal for Compensation and Relief.Mohd Ashraf Lone further appealed to the concerned authorities to ensure that all eligible affected farmers receive appropriate compensation and relief at the earliest under applicable government relief provisions, schemes and crop insurance guidelines.
He also urged the concerned departments and insurance companies to expedite the processing of eligible insurance claims wherever crop insurance coverage exists. He said farmers should be facilitated in accessing benefits under applicable schemes covering localised natural hazards such as hailstorms, in accordance with the prescribed procedures.
He also called upon the administration to review all possible assistance available under applicable disaster-relief, agricultural and horticultural schemes so that affected farming families receive timely support.
Special Attention to Beerwah Constituency.Mohd Ashraf Lone said a large section of the population in Beerwah and adjoining areas depends on agriculture and horticulture for its livelihood. He said sudden damage to crops, particularly those nearing harvest, could place a serious financial burden on farming families who have already invested their savings in seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, labour and other agricultural inputs.
He appealed to the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir and Deputy Commissioner Budgam to personally monitor the damage-assessment and compensation process and ensure that there is no unnecessary delay at any level.
He also called for preparation of village-wise and farmer-wise damage reports, followed by timely compensation to eligible beneficiaries through a transparent procedure.
Mohd Ashraf Lone urged the administration to:- Conduct an immediate ground assessment of damage caused to agricultural and horticultural crops by the hailstorm.Deploy joint teams of Revenue, Agriculture and Horticulture officials across all affected areas- Prepare comprehensive village-wise and farmer-wise damage reports- Expedite the processing of compensation and relief claims of eligible farmers- Process crop insurance claims promptly wherever applicable.Give special attention to small and marginal farmers who may not be in a position to bear the burden of sudden losses- Ensure continuous monitoring by the district administration until the compensation process is completed.Examine possibilities of additional permissible assistance for the rehabilitation and restoration of the economic stability of affected farming families.
“The farming community is the backbone of our rural economy, and affected farmers need timely institutional support during this difficult period,” Mohd Ashraf Lone said.
He expressed hope that the concerned authorities would intervene promptly and ensure that no genuinely affected farmer is denied legitimate assistance or compensation due to administrative delays.
Mohd Ashraf Lone reiterated his appeal for immediate assessment of losses, expedited processing and early disbursement of compensation to farmers affected by the hailstorm across Budgam, particularly those in the affected areas of the Beerwah constituency.
