On 3 May 2018, in the district of Jumla, Nepal, continuous rain and hail storms damaged the large apple crops, typical of the region. Since almost 95% of the production is lost, the event threatens the economic stability: apple trees are the main source of income for many farmers in Jumla.
Fortunately, many of them took out insurance policies to protect themselves against hail storms this year. In fact, Shikhar Insurance, in association with the Sakchyam Access to Finance initiative (a project funded by UK Aid), recently launched the Weather Insurance Index. The W.I.I. consist of an insurance plan aimed at compensating farmers against damages caused by bad weather. Today there are already 41,397 insured apple trees, for a total value of 89 million of rupees.
At the same time, many farmers will not be able to take advantage of these forms of protection. Probably they will be forced to travel to India and seek a seasonal employment.
ARAL traditional activity is the restoration of vehicles damaged by hail. In 40 years of activity, we have studied the best techniques to guarantee a final result that brings back a new vehicle to all effects.