Srinagar, May 13 -- Jammu and Kashmir Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmad Dar on Wednesday said orchards in several parts of north Kashmir suffered damage due to a hailstorm, while the government has started field assessments to determine losses and compensation under SDRF norms.

Dar said areas in Baramulla, Pattan and Tangmarg were among the worst affected by the hailstorm.

"It is unfortunate that many orchards have been affected due to a natural disaster," the minister said, adding that the administration had directed the concerned departments during the night itself to begin a preliminary assessment of the damage.

He said teams from the agriculture and horticulture departments visited the affected areas on Wednesday morning and were co...