What's Happening?
Director Agriculture Kashmir, Sartaj Ahmad Shah, conducted an on-site inspection at Lalmandi, Srinagar, to assess the damage caused by severe gusty winds on January 22-23, 2026. The winds, part of a larger weather disturbance across the Kashmir Valley,
resulted in the uprooting of plants, damage to poly-houses, and disruption of cultivation activities. The inspection covered floriculture nurseries, entomology units, and kitchen garden demonstration plots managed by the Agriculture Department. Accompanied by senior officers and technical staff, the Director reviewed the extent of losses to flower crops, seedlings, and departmental infrastructure. He issued directives for immediate remedial measures to prevent further damage and emphasized the timely restoration of affected facilities.
Why It's Important?
The damage assessment by the Director of Agriculture is crucial for the timely recovery of the agricultural sector in the region, which is vital for local food production and economic stability. The disruption of cultivation activities could have significant implications for the local economy, affecting farmers' livelihoods and the supply chain of agricultural products. The Director's emphasis on immediate remedial measures and close monitoring of weather advisories highlights the importance of proactive management in mitigating the impact of natural disasters on agriculture. This event underscores the vulnerability of agricultural infrastructure to extreme weather conditions and the need for robust contingency planning.
What's Next?
The Agriculture Department is expected to implement the Director's directives for remedial measures promptly. This includes restoring damaged facilities and reviving cultivation activities. Continuous monitoring of weather advisories will be crucial to prevent further disruptions. The department may also consider long-term strategies to enhance the resilience of agricultural infrastructure against future weather disturbances. Stakeholders, including local farmers and agricultural workers, will likely be involved in the recovery process, ensuring that the community is prepared for similar events in the future.
