Breaking News
"Iran is history itself": Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref slams Trump's "Stone Age" rhetoric
Indian Embassy urges nationals in Iran to stay indoors for 48 hours amid Trump ultimatum
Missile strike hits telecom facility in Sharjah, two injured
Makarem Shirazi claims Iran is in a stronger position, calls for “sacred resistance”
Iran forms human chains to protect power plants as Trump's strike deadline looms
Trump warns ‘whole civilisation could die tonight’ as Iran strike deadline closes in
Karaj’s power disrupted after transmission lines come under attack.
Three suspects killed in gunfire incident near Israeli consulate in Istanbul
CM Omar reviews progress of construction of High Court complexes in J&K
As Trump's deadline looms, Iran President asserts '14 million Iranians ready to sacrifice lives

Time for anti-hail nets, assert experts

  • Younus Rashid By Younus Rashid
  • Comments 0
  • 08 Apr 2026

Anantnag, Apr 07: Senior Scientist and Head, KVK-Anantnag, Dr Ishtiyaq A. Khan said that as apple blossoms burst into full colour across Kashmir's valleys this spring even as hailstorms pose a serious threat especially during bloom and early fruit set when flowers and young fruits are most vulnerable.

In past incidents, losses of 40 to 60 per cent were recorded in many orchards, turning premium crops into scarred produce and affecting both current and next season’s yield.

Hail damages blossoms, reduces pollination, bruises fruits, and weakens tree health. Leaves tear, affecting photosynthesis, while young apples get cracked and deformed.

Anti-hail nets are a strong protective measure. They act as a shield against hailstones, reduce sunburn, tame winds, and boost fruit quality for steadier, premium harvests. Field trials show protected orchards recording 20 to 40 per cent higher yields with far more marketable apples.

Government schemes like MIDH, HADP, and JKCIP offer subsidies up to 50 to 80 per cent, and these can be linked with crop insurance for better risk coverage.

Immediately after hail, fungicides like Carbendazim or Mancozeb should be sprayed to seal wounds and prevent rot, followed by boron, zinc, and urea sprays for recovery. Farmers should assess damage carefully, prune affected branches, remove damaged fruits, and maintain orchard health to minimise long-term losses.

He said climate change has increased significantly and such incidents are happening every year, making long-term measures like anti-hail nets necessary to safeguard the horticulture sector.

Leave a comment

Related Posts

How We Can Help You!

labore et dolore magna aliqua. Quis ipsum suspendisse ultrices gravida. Risus commodo viverra maecenas accumsan lacus vel facilisis.

Contact us