Following the devastating weather spell that destroyed hundreds of orchards and crops worth crores of rupees, Jammu and Kashmir Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmad Dar said the government is set to roll out a weather-based crop insurance policy within one month.
He said intense hailstorms have wreaked havoc across North Kashmir, including Lolab, Handwara, Baramulla, Tangmarg, Pattan, Sangrama, Rafiabad, Bandipora, parts of Zaingeer, and the upper belts of Zachildara.
Similar reports of damage have also been received from South Kashmir’s agricultural belts in Shopian, Pulwama, and Kulgam in recent weeks.
The minister said, “These are natural events and beyond human control.” He added that the Jammu and Kashmir government is moving ahead with a weather-based crop insurance scheme, with the process set to commence soon.
“All formalities are expected to be completed within a month. Farmers and growers will benefit to a large extent once it is implemented,” the minister said.
During the recent extreme weather events, the farming community in the Kashmir Valley has been left distressed as hailstorms along with gusty winds continue to destroy their source of livelihood, while they can do nothing to prevent it.
The government has also deployed teams to assess crop damage in multiple districts and has assured to submit the reports to the government and deputy commissioners.
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