Hail storm destroys Kullu's apple crop

Kullu, May 9 (ANI): A hail storm in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu District has destroyed nearly eighty percent of the area's apple crop.

"Our production of apple was very good, but 70-80 percent of crop has been destroyed by a hail storm. It's getting very tough for us. There is no compensation for the destruction as there are big marks on the apples," said Tule Ram, an apple grower.

The hail storm has not only damaged fruit, but also apple tree leaves and spur, which is not a good sign for the upcoming season.

"The hail storm was so devastating that a very large number of apple trees were destroyed. All the apples have got big marks on them. So, with this hailstorm 70-80 percent of apple crop got destroyed and we are getting news of destruction from many parts," said A K Gupta, Deputy Director Horticulture.

As a consequence, incomes of apple grower's have been shaken.

Almost 100,000 hectares of land in the hilly state, including districts of Shimla, Kullu, Kinnaur, Mandi and Chamba, are under apple production. (ANI)