Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Nov 20: Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers-cum-Dealers Union (KVGF) today said that the recent snowfall led to the damage of around Rs 75, 000 crores to the farmers. The KVFG said that 80 per cent branches of the fruit trees were completely broken due to the snowfall
They said that even some orchards have completely vanished and have to be built afresh and it will take them over one decade.
The KVFG said that it is unfortunate that the Director Horticulture, Kashmir while sitting in his luxurious office room has assessed the loss to the tune of Rs 2250 crores only. “He has projected the loss at 35 per cent while it is actually 90 percent”, they said.
They demanded that the Director Horticulture, Kashmir and VC SKUST-K be directed to assess the actual losses suffered by the fruit growers.
“Rejuvenation of fruit plants of all orchards of the Valley may be considered. Fruit plants be provided to the farmers free of cost so that they can rebuilt their orchards. Steps should be taken for the suitable compensation to the fruit growers,” they demanded.
They demanded that the fruit growers be provided insecticides, fungicides, pesticides and fertilizers free of cost for the period of five years. They also demanded that they should be provided interest free loans for five years and the KCC loans should be waived off.
They also demanded implementation of crop insurance scheme separately for apple crop and for fruit plans.
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