Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 7: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) today urged the Central Government to waive off the loan of farmers and orchardists in Jammu and Kashmir, while asserting that unseasonal rains and hailstorm in many districts of Kashmir has led to huge crop loss.
In a statement issued here, senior PDP leader and Ex VC JK Cements Ltd, Er Nazir Yatoo expressed concern over the plight of the farmers and said, “The farmers of Jammu and Kashmir have faced huge loss due to recent hailstorm in South North and Central Kashmir districts. Many farmers, orchardists had taken the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loan from the banks which they cannot repay now due to loss. Farmers, orchardists only want the Government to waive off their KCC loans,” he added.
“This loan is given to farmers, orchardists to buy fungicides, seeds and other essentials, though this year unscheduled rains and hailstorm wrecked havoc to their crops, now they have to bear huge losses. Therefore it should be waived off,” he said.
Yatoo said that the Government should frame policy for the welfare of the farmers involving their representatives at the district and divisional level so that their issues can be addressed.
He said that the one-time KCC loan waiver can be considered as one of the components of the relief and rehabilitation plan that can give a sigh of relief to the farming community.
“Horticulture is the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy and the hailstorm has dealt a blow to it. Under prevailing circumstances, it is an obligation for the Government to come to the support and succor of farmers and orchardists,” he said.
When Government has given relaxation to the business houses, why the poor farmers, orchardists cannot be considered in Government’s scheme, he asked while strongly pleading for waving off of the KCC loans to farmers.
“Our farmers, orchardists have made us proud globally. At the moment of crisis, we must stand with them and give them all relaxations possible,” he said.
Explaining the mental stress the farmers are passing though, PDP leader said the poor farmers are worried due to poor financial condition, and hardships in growing next crops in absence of laborers. He said that farmers may come on roads if their demands are not accepted.
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