Crop insurance scheme likely within two months in J&K, says Minister Javed Dar

Sopore, May 23: Minister Javed Ahmad Dar on Saturday said the government is likely to implement the crop insurance scheme in Jammu and Kashmir within the next two months, while assuring relief to farmers affected by recent hailstorms after completion of damage assessment surveys.

Speaking to reporters amid widespread crop damage caused by repeated hailstorms in several parts of Kashmir Valley, the minister said officials from various departments have already started visiting affected areas to assess losses suffered by farmers and growers.

“The department has been trying since yesterday to reach every affected area and conduct assessments. Once the final assessment is completed, relief will be provided to the affected farmers,” Dar said.

He said the government is also expediting the process for implementation of the crop insurance scheme in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to the minister, the bidding process for the scheme is scheduled to begin on June 1, and the entire procedure is expected to be completed within one-and-a-half to two months.

The minister said the government has already made budgetary provisions for the scheme, under which the premium amount will be shared by the Government of India, the Jammu and Kashmir administration and farmers.

On the horticulture sector, Dar said the government is in touch with the Centre regarding a market intervention scheme for C-grade apples. He said a team from NITI Aayog had visited Jammu and Kashmir two months ago, during which discussions were held on fixing prices for C-grade apples to support growers.

On the delay in extending insurance coverage to apple crops, Dar said horticulture comes under a separate weather-based crop insurance scheme. He added that apples and saffron have now been included under the proposed insurance framework in Kashmir.

The minister said the government had been attempting to introduce the scheme for years, but the process was delayed due to poor participation by insurance companies during the tendering process.

“Last year also, the process had almost been finalized, but then the Government of India revised the insurance policy framework, forcing us to issue fresh tenders,” he said.

Dar expressed hope that the fresh tendering process would conclude successfully and the scheme would soon be implemented to safeguard farmers and growers from weather-related losses. —(KNO)