Jammu and Kashmir crops hit by hailstorms and rice blast disease

Farmers in the Jammu and Kashmir regions of Baramulla and Bandipora are facing significant agricultural losses due to a combination of severe weather and disease. In Baramulla, paddy growers report extensive damage to standing crops caused by a suspected outbreak of rice blast, a fungal disease caused by Magnaporthe oryzae. Recent hailstorms have exacerbated the situation, with some farmers in areas such as Doudbugh and Sheeri estimating production losses of up to 65 per cent.

In Bandipora, sudden hailstorms, rain, and strong winds have also caused extensive damage to standing crops. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Bandipora and several neighboring districts, including Kupwara, Anantnag, and Pulwama, forecasting thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds. Agriculture officials in Baramulla have deployed teams to assess the damage and provide technical guidance to affected growers.