Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, May 23: Amid widespread devastation caused by successive hailstorms across Kashmir, the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union today demanded immediate implementation of a Crop Insurance Scheme for the horticulture sector.
The union also demanded restoration of the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), and a comprehensive compensation package for orchardists affected by the weather disasters of April and May this year.
The growers’ body said repeated hailstorms and stormy winds have caused extensive damage to apple orchards in north and south Kashmir, pushing fruit growers into severe financial distress.
It said orchardists have suffered heavy losses after multiple spells of hailstorms hit Baramulla, Pulwama, Shopian, Bandipora and Ganderbal districts during the ongoing season.
The Union urged the Centre and the J&K Government to immediately introduce a Crop Insurance Scheme for the horticulture sector “so as to get some relief in the event of natural disasters.”
It also sought the re-introduction of the Market Intervention Scheme and demanded “a reasonable and comprehensive package” to compensate orchard owners for losses caused by the devastating hailstorms.
According to the union, the latest hailstorm severely affected orchards in Sopore, Rafiabad and Tral areas, with growers reporting falling apples and damaged fruit-bearing branches at a crucial stage of crop development.
The growers alleged that despite repeated weather-related losses this season, no assessment of damages has been carried out by the Government machinery so far.
The growers’ body said the absence of crop insurance and market support mechanisms has left orchardists vulnerable to recurring natural calamities, particularly marginal farmers who depend entirely on horticulture for their livelihood.
It said nearly 90 per cent of fruit growers in Kashmir are small and marginal orchardists whose household expenses are sustained through income generated from orchards.
Follow our WhatsApp channel