HP to explore possibilities of setting up anti hail guns: Bragta

Shimla, Feb 26 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Minister Narinder Bragta today said the state government will explore the possibilities of establishing ''Anti Hail Guns'' in the hail prone areas minimise losses of horticulturists and farmers in the state.

Hail causes extensive damage to fruit crops every year and adversely affected the economy of the farmers and horticulturists and these guns would help in minimising the losses, he said after viewing the presentation on the functioning of these guns.

Observing that the state government was committed to protect the interests of the farmers and horticulturists, he said the government has decided explore the possibilities of setting up these guns that have a great success in several countries.

Mr Bragta said one anti hail gun has a capacity to protect about 80 to 90 hectare area.

He also appealed to the officers of various Horticulture, Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, State Science and Technology Department and Metrological Departments to closely coordinate and study the possibilities of setting up the guns.

UNI AS HS VN1823