Rain, hailstorm destroy wheat, fruit crops in Himachal's Kangra

DHARAMSHALA: Unseasonal spell of heavy rain and hailstorm in Kangra valley on Saturday washed away hopes of thousands of farmers who were expecting a good harvest this season.

Farmers in this region are in the middle of harvesting season, and unexpected showers damaged standing wheat crop. "Expecting clear weather, harvesting had started two days ago. Many farmers couldn't go to cast their votes due harvesting, and now unexpected rains destroyed our crops," said Lekhraj Choudhary from Kachiari village of Kangra.

Rains also caused widespread damage to fruit, tea and other cash crops. Green tea leaves in most tea gardens were completely destroyed. Hailstorm continued for more than an hour in upper areas of Palampur, where most of the tea gardens are located. Tea growers were expecting good returns from green leaves plucked in April and May, but their hopes were dashed by the unseasonal rain and hailstorm.

Maximum loss was reported from Bundla, Chokki, Lohana, Khalet, Rajpur and Holta areas. In lower areas, mango, plum and peach crops were also hit by hailstorm. These fruit trees are in flower these days. In wheat-growing areas, fields were seen submerged in water.