Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 2: A meeting of farmers was held here, today under the chairmanship of Tajinder Singh Wazir president JK Kissan Council to show their serious concern about deteriorating condition of agriculture and allied sectors in Jammu province.
The farmers rued that due to recent rains and hailstorm losses have occurred in Basmati crop and also hit Wheat sowing in the belt .Moreover, with low yields and further down market prices of Basmati which is the farmers’ serious concern, the Government is still in wait and watch mood where the neighboring State announced a special ‘Girdawari’ in affected villages and ensured adequate compensation for farmers who suffered losses, they added.
They lamented UT administration for delay in implementation of Pardhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana during Kharif 2019 season a-first gift to farming sector after revocation of Article 370. The farming sector in entire J&K is badly affected and needed this scheme to cover the risk of farmer. But it has not been implemented in toto the outcome is crisis, they added.
They said special package needs to be announced for farmers of J&K as more than 90% of them are small & marginal and they need hand holding support to tide over present crisis.
It was also highlighted that the only four months were left for current financial year and the Government has not released funds under various schemes in Agriculture sector. The funds released under capex plan is confusing and may not be utilized properly in one month.
The Agricultural developmental activities were making tardy progress whereas Prime Minister has launched doubling farmers Income initiative.
The farmers have appealed LG, to intervene and monitor the progress of activities. Agriculture provides direct and indirect employment to about 78% of population. The functioning of Agriculture Production Department should also be made accountable. The system is failing in delivery as too many posts were lying vacant.
Follow our WhatsApp channel