Srinagar, May 20 -- Once a luxury, anti-hail nets have become a necessity among the apple growers, with demand for these safety nets growing among the orchardists.

Every year, hailstorms cause huge damage to the horticulture sector in Kashmir, particularly during the spring season when the apple crop is in its infancy.

Last week, north Kashmir witnessed a devastating hailstorm, which caused losses worth crores of rupees. In areas such as Pattan, Tangmarg, and Sopore, the damage to the crop is assessed to be around 80 percent.

As such, anti-hail nets, which were seen as an expensive investment meant largely for wealthy growers and high-density farms, are being adapted by even small orchardists.

Across apple-producing districts such as ...