Govt should provide relief to hailstorm affected apple growers :Cong

State Congress unit urged the government to immediately take stock of the destruction of fruits and crops caused by recent hailstorm and Alad storm to provide relief and financial assistance to the affected farmers and horticulturists.Party State Organization Secretary Rajneesh Kimta said that due to hail storm and hailstorm, fruits as well as other crops have suffered heavy damage in the state. Wheat crop was already facing drought in the lower areas, hailstorm has done away with apple crop. He said that royts are now worried about their cattle feed as a drought-like situation has arisen in the state.Expressing concern over the huge damage caused to the crops of apples, peaches, cherries and apricot in the upper regions due to hail storm and hailstorm, Kimta has urged the government to assess the damage and provide relief to the affected farmers and gardeners. It is worthwhile to mention that apple is backbone of hill economy as  more than half the population in the state is dependent on horticulture.