Galiyat battered by heavy rain, hail

Vegetable, fruit crops affected by extreme weather

AYUBIA:

The Galiyat region of Abbottabad on Tuesday had received heavy rain and hail which impacted vegetables, fruits and other major crops grown in the area.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the heaviest rainfall, of up to 360mm, was recorded in the Galiyat region, including in areas falling under the Ayubia National Park (ANP), Nathiagali, Thandiani, Bakote and Namli areas.

Major crops are grown in the area, including maize, potatoes and fruits including the plums, apricots, apples, grapes, pears, walnuts and cherries were affected, farmers said.

Vegetables and fruits including potatoes, apples, cherries and grapes had ripened and were ready for picking but heavy rains and hailstones badly damaged them, Pakistan Agriculture Research and Council (PARC) Chairman Dr Azeem Khan told Express Tribune. He added that standing crops of vegetables or their nurseries have been battered by the extreme weather events.

Provinces asked to get ready for monsoon

Moreover, he said that in some areas, the sowing of summer vegetable crops had to be delayed as farmers drained excess water from their lands.

“We are assessing the damage done to vegetable crops and are yet to make their estimates public,” a senior official of the provincial agriculture department told The Express Tribune.

Local farmers and growers, who have been impacted by the weather, have demanded that the provincial and federal governments provide them with some sort of financial compensation package.

Ghafoor Abbasi, the owner of a fruit orchard in Ayubia, said that he had planned to sell his produce in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi in the coming days but he has now suffered around 70% damages due to the heavy rains.

Faisal Satti, who cultivates potatoes, demanded provincial government to help cover his losses.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 1^st, 2020.