What's Happening?
Director of Agriculture Kashmir, Sartaj Ahmad Shah, conducted an assessment of the damage caused by severe gusty winds at the Floriculture Development Scheme, kitchen garden, and entomology sections in Lalmandi, Srinagar. The winds, which occurred during
the night of January 22-23, 2026, were part of a larger weather disturbance affecting the Kashmir Valley. The strong winds resulted in the uprooting of plants, damage to poly-houses, and disruption of cultivation activities. During his visit, the Director, accompanied by senior officers and technical staff, inspected the affected areas, including floriculture nurseries and kitchen garden demonstration plots. He reviewed the extent of the damage to flower crops, seedlings, and departmental infrastructure, and issued directives for immediate remedial actions to prevent further damage.
Why It's Important?
The assessment by the Director of Agriculture is crucial for the timely restoration of agricultural activities in the region, which are vital for local food production and the economy. The damage to the floriculture and kitchen garden sections could have significant implications for the supply of flowers and vegetables, affecting both local markets and livelihoods dependent on these sectors. The Director's directives for immediate remedial measures aim to mitigate further losses and ensure the quick revival of cultivation activities. This response is essential to maintain agricultural productivity and support the economic stability of the region, which relies heavily on agriculture as a primary source of income.
What's Next?
Following the assessment, the Director has instructed field staff to prioritize the restoration of affected facilities and to closely monitor weather advisories to prevent future damage. The Agriculture Department is expected to implement the necessary remedial measures promptly, focusing on repairing poly-houses and replanting affected crops. Continued monitoring and adaptation to weather conditions will be crucial to safeguard agricultural activities in the region. The department may also consider developing strategies to enhance the resilience of agricultural infrastructure against similar weather disturbances in the future.
