Shimla, June 7
A severe hailstorm caused extensive damage to the apple crop in the Kotkhai area in the heart of the apple belt.
The hailstorm struck in the afternoon and continued to lash the region for about 90 minutes. The maximum damage was reported from Baghi, Ratnari, Baghal, Kalbogh, Khaneti, Tharola and adjoining areas. Some areas like Khaneti and Tharola are situated close to Deorighat where an anti-hail gun has been installed. Despite that, the crop could not be protected.
Ironically, some areas like Baghi and Ratnari escaped the fury of the weather god and remained unaffected by the earlier spells of hailstorm. Almost 90 per cent of the crop has been destroyed.
The Horticulture Department has estimated the apple production in the current season at 2.50 crore boxes as against 4.46 crore boxes produced last year. With the latest damage, the figure is likely to come down further.
Meanwhile, secretary of the state Congress Rohit Thakur has urged the government to conduct a survey to assess the damage and provide relief to the affected farmers.
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