Anti-hail gun test fired for first time

The anti-hail guns installed at three locations in the apple belt of Jubbal-Kotkhai in Shimla district were test fired for the first time on Tuesday,said Project Director of Horticulture Technology Mission S C Dhiman. Bareon Ghat in Kotkhai became the first village in the country to use the anti-hail gun. The device connected with weather radar is designed to protect apples during flowering and fruit setting season from hailstorm,which will reduce losses suffered by apple growers. A team of experts from Horticulture and Forestry University,Nauni,along with representatives of the American supplier company of the anti-hail gun carried out test fires from the cannon installed at Bareon Ghat in Kotkhai.

“Similar tests will be carried out at Deorighat and Khatasu — where two other cannons have been installed — on Wednesday.”