Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Apr 19: The Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union today called for immediate crop insurance support and a swift assessment of losses, following a “devastating” hailstorm and gusty winds that have severely impacted the fruit industry.
The Union stated fruit growers and orchard owners across Shopian, Kulgam, Bandipora, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Budgam, Pulwama, and other areas have suffered devastating losses from the hailstorm on April 18
“The climate has severely impacted the thriving fruit industry, which is a significant pillar of Kashmir’s economy. While weather-related challenges are beyond their control, the absence of a crop insurance scheme has only added to their woes,” the Union stated.
It went on to say that the sudden loss has not only dealt a severe blow to orchard owners but has also created a ripple effect for others associated with the Horticulture Industry
The Union noted that it has consistently appealed to the Government for years to include Kashmir’s Horticulture sector in a crop insurance scheme, which could provide much-needed relief to fruit growers during natural calamities.
“It is unfortunate that despite Government announcements on this front, the crop insurance scheme has yet to be implemented in the valley,” the Union added.
The situation is particularly dire for the vast majority of marginal fruit growers, the Union stated, “as their livelihoods are intricately tied to the income from their fruit orchards.”
Poor and marginal fruit growers are left to shoulder significant losses without any crop insurance scheme, it said.
“Ninety percent (90%) of fruit growers in Kashmir are marginal growers, and all their expenses depend solely on the income generated from their orchards.”
The Union has urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to consider the implementation of a crop insurance scheme for the horticulture sector J&K to provide relief in the event of natural disasters.
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