Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Jan 28: Lashing out at the Government for failing to provide compensation to the apple farmers in Kashmir, who suffered heavy losses for the second straight year due to untimely snowfall in early November, J&K Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) vice-president and Ex-MLC GN Monga today said that big claims of the BJP Government were falling flat.
In a statement issued to the press here today, Monga said the un-seasonal late autumn snowfall spelt doom for the apple orchards across Kashmir and the growers faced losses worth thousands of crores.
“Horticulture, which is the backbone of Kashmir’s economy suffered a double thrashing last season. Just when a good crop had given the farmers hopes for a recovery from 2018 losses, the political turmoil since August 5, badly affected the transportation industry and procurement market,” he said and added that November 7 snowfall dealt a severe blow to fruit industry.
“Almost three months have passed since then, but the Government has not even done the proper assessment of losses. The growers have been badly affected as not only their produce, but trees to suffered heavy damage which is a recurring loss,” Monga said.
“The economy of J&K has been shattered due to the misadventures of the BJP Government. According to media reports a few lakh people have lost their livelihood after August 5 clampdown by the Government. Horticulture and other vital sectors of economy are in distress. But the Centre Government is least bothered about it,” the Congress leader added.
He appealed the Government to adequately compensate the fruit growers who suffered losses due to snowfall. “New season is about to begin and farmers need money for pesticides, fertilizers and other activities. The Government should not delay in paying compensation to the farmers,” Monga demanded.
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