Flash Floods Devastate Paddy and Apple Crops in South Kashmir

Srinagar, Sept 7: Flash floods triggered by incessant rains and cloudbursts have obliterated standing paddy (rice) and apple crops across thousands of acres in four southern districts of Kashmir, leaving farmers reeling with losses estimated in the hundreds of crores.

Rice Bowl Wiped Out

The swollen Jhelum submerged rice fields in Anantnag and Pulwama. “We were preparing to harvest the paddy by the end of this month. The crop was abundant, but everything has been destroyed by floods… the entire year’s hard work has gone down the drain,” lamented Mohammad Younis, a farmer from Shamsipora.

Widespread Agricultural Losses

Rice-producing belts across Anantnag, Pulwama, and parts of Kulgam—collectively known as the valley’s “rice bowl”—have suffered extensive crop failure. In Anantnag and Kulgam, standing crops in Tachoo, Dooru, Shamsipora, Muniwar, Lallipora, and Mallapora were submerged, while Kakapora and Newa in Pulwama were also badly hit. Adjacent Budgam areas too reported losses.

Horticulture Sector Hit Hard

Apple orchards in Dachnipora (Anantnag), as well as in Sallar, Srigufwara, and Kullar (Lidder stream banks), and newly planted orchards in Pulwama’s low-lying zones, were severely damaged. Shopian and Kulgam also recorded substantial losses. Farmers estimate damages running into hundreds of crores, though officials say official estimates are still pending.

Relief and Assessment Underway

Officials from Anantnag district confirmed that field investigators will begin assessing crop losses within the next day. Damage evaluation will be the first step toward disbursing relief.

Government Urged to Act

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has appealed to the central government to approve a relief package for affected farmers, pending full loss assessment.

Source: Daily Excelsior (Read original)

Labels: Flash Floods, Kashmir Agriculture, Paddy Crop Loss, Apple Orchard Damage, South Kashmir Crisis

Tags: #FlashFloods #SouthKashmir #PaddyLoss #AppleDamage #DailyExcelsior

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