Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Sept 3: Following a severe hailstorm and strong winds that swept through parts of South Kashmir’s Shopian and Kulgam districts, the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union today called for urgent compensation, the implementation of a Crop Insurance Scheme, and a market intervention initiative.
The Union, an elected umbrella body representing all fruit growers’ associations in the Valley, has appealed to the Government to include Kashmir’s Horticulture sector in a crop insurance scheme.
“We urge the LG administration to prioritize the implementation of a Crop Insurance and Market Intervention Scheme to protect the interests of the Valley’s fruit growers and dealers,” the Union stated, noting that fruit growers are facing significant losses and are in distress.
The Union also demanded the immediate deployment of officers from the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) Shalimar, along with officials from the Department of Horticulture Development Kashmir and Horticulture (P&M), to assess the damage in the affected areas of Shopian and Kulgam districts.
In addition, the Union sought sufficient compensation for the losses incurred by fruit growers in these districts due to the hailstorm.
“The climate has severely impacted the thriving fruit industry, a crucial pillar of Kashmir’s economy. These losses could severely affect the livelihoods of thousands of farmers involved in the sector,” said the Union’s Chairman, Bashir Ahmad Basheer.
The fruit growers and dealers emphasized that while weather-related challenges are beyond control, the absence of a Crop Insurance Scheme has exacerbated their difficulties.
“Orchard owners in the Shopian and Kulgam districts have suffered irreparable losses due to this natural disaster,” Basheer said.
The Union added that this sudden loss has not only dealt a severe blow to orchard owners but also created a ripple effect throughout the horticulture industry.
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