SRINAGAR, April 21 -- Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, has expressed deep concern over the adversities caused to orchards and farmlands due to the recent spell of heavy rains and hailstorms across Jammu & Kashmir.

The inclement weather has badly damaged the standing crops and horticultural produce, particularly in parts of North and South Kashmir.

In light of the situation, the Minister has directed the Heads of the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments to initiate immediate assessment of the losses caused across all districts in J&K. He instructed the concerned to dispatch the joint field teams comprising departmental officials to all affec...