A recent hailstorm, accompanied by heavy rain, has significantly affected the agricultural sector in the Haryana region, particularly in Rai, Kharkhoda, and Sonepat block. The Horticulture Department's preliminary assessments indicate severe damage to fruit and vegetable crops, with an estimated 80-100% loss in fruit-bearing trees, notably Indian plum and guava. The timing was particularly unfortunate for plum growers, as the harvest was poised for market sales coinciding with the Shivratri festival.
Orchard owners, such as Surajmal from Khewra village, reported total destruction of export-quality fruits, including damage to apple tree blossoms. Vegetable crops, including lady finger, bitter gourd, bottle gourd, tomato, capsicum, bell pepper, baby corn, sweet corn, and cucumber, also suffered extensive damage.
According to District Horticulture Officer Rakesh Kumar, the hailstorms and rains have devastated the district's vegetable and fruit growers, who cultivate these crops across approximately 22,000 and 2,000 acres, respectively. Initial reports suggest a 70-80% loss in vegetable yields, with some areas experiencing total destruction.
Source: tribuneindia.com