Farmers and orchardists, already struggling with erratic weather patterns and fluctuating temperatures, said clear skies in recent days had raised hopes of a good harvest before the unexpected hailstorm caused widespread damage.
In higher-altitude areas, hailstones damaged apple blossoms, while lower regions also reported significant losses. The weather, earlier considered favourable for apple cultivation, had raised expectations of better yields, but Saturday’s abrupt change has intensified concerns among farmers over fruit setting and overall production.
Several areas, including Naggar, Nathan and Fojal in the Ujhi valley, witnessed severe hailstorms that damaged flowering and newly developed fruit on apple trees. Gardeners fear blossoms may fall prematurely, affecting fruit formation.
Local growers, including Ram Lal, Saurav, Budhi Ram, Daulat Ram, Akash and Surat Ram, have urged the government to survey the affected areas and provide immediate relief. Prem Sharma, president of the Kullu Fruit Growers’ Association, said unpredictable weather continues to trouble the farming community, with the Ujhi valley among the worst affected.
In the Raison area, apple and pear crops suffered heavy damage, with fruits already developing to the size of gram seeds left blemished by hailstones. Farmers Mohar Singh, Manoj and Surender said the changing weather conditions were “crushing their hopes”.
Meanwhile, a dust storm brought normal life in Kullu town to a standstill for nearly 30 minutes on Saturday afternoon. From around 2 pm, strong winds carrying dust and soil forced people to take shelter in shops, hospitals, bus stands and markets. The disruption continued until about 2.30 pm.
The storm also damaged preparations for the Pipal Jatar festival at Dhalpur ground, where temporary shops and tents were affected. Several hoardings were also blown down across the town, though no major injuries were reported.
Rain later set in over Kullu town in the evening, while hailstorms continued in parts of the Ujhi valley and outer Seraj, causing further damage to crops. Raj Kumar, deputy director of the Horticulture Department, said reports of hail damage had been received and assessments were being sought from field staff.
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