Sakeena Itoo Calls for Immediate Damage Assessment in Kulgam and Shopian After Hailstorm

SRINAGAR: Sakeena Itoo, the Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare, and Education, has expressed deep concern following the widespread devastation caused by a recent hailstorm, which heavily affected orchards and farmlands in Kulgam and Shopian districts.The Minister acknowledged that the hailstorm had caused significant damage to the agricultural sector, leaving thousands of farmers and orchardists facing the loss of both crops and the livelihoods they depend on. Many in the affected areas were counting on the upcoming harvest to sustain their families and communities.“The farming community is at the heart of our concerns during this challenging time. The damage goes beyond just the crops—it’s the culmination of months of hard work and hope,” said Sakeena Itoo.The Minister further assured that the local administrations in Kulgam and Shopian have been mobilized and instructed to conduct thorough assessments of the damage at the ground level. She emphasized the need for swift action to ensure that farmers receive timely compensation for their losses.