Hailstorm wreaks havoc in Kull valley, apple and vegetable crops suffer heavy damage
Babushahi Bureau
Kullu (Himachal Pradesh), May 12, 2026:A sudden spell of heavy hailstorm and rain across parts of Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu Valley has caused extensive damage to cash crops, leaving farmers and orchardists worried over major financial losses.
The severe weather struck several areas of Kullu district, including Bhuntar, Naggar, Manali, Patlikuhal, Banjar, Ani and the Sainj Valley. Apple orchards, along with plum and pear crops, were among the worst affected due to the intense hailstorm.
Local orchardists said apple trees are currently in the flowering and early fruiting stage, and the hail has damaged blossoms and young fruit, raising fears of reduced production this season.
Apart from fruit crops, large-scale damage has also been reported to peas, cabbage, tomatoes and other seasonal vegetables grown across the valley. Farmers said several fields were flattened due to the sudden weather change, worsening concerns over crop losses.
Farmer groups and orchardist associations have urged the district administration to conduct an immediate survey of the affected areas and provide compensation to those who suffered losses. They said cash crops are the primary source of livelihood for many families in the region and demanded a relief package from the government.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that weather conditions may remain unstable over the next 24 hours in higher and mid-hill regions of the state, with possibilities of heavy rain, thunderstorms and further hailstorm activity.