Srinagar:Fruit growers in Kashmir, as well as the other crop growers in Jammu and Kashmir, suffered heavy losses after the Valley experienced an untimely and heavy snowfall in the past week.
Farmers suffered huge losses and had their orchards destroyed in the wake of this untimely snowfall.
According to reports, orchards in Sopore and adjoining areas were severely damaged.
Speaking to ETV Bharat, local fruit growers said the snowfall has had an adverse effect on their livelihoods.
Chief Horticulture Officer, Baramulla, Zahoor Ahmed Bhat said, "We visited the district of Baramulla and Sopore and found the fruit growers are suffering from huge losses.
He added that this devastating and untimely snowfall has cost Baramulla a loss of 437 crores.
The snowfall affected Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, parts of Uttarakhand towards the end of the previous week as well as this week.
The snow initially started with blocked highways, leading to severe traffic, loss of power supply and other utility services in the Jammu area.
Srinagar, along with other areas in the Valley had no power supply, that was later restored.
However, the onset of early snowfall this year has brought good business for the local hotels, businessmen and taxi drivers as tourists are thronging the region to enjoy the scenic beauty.
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