Srinagar, Sep 16 (KNS) : Addressing a press conference at Srinagar on Tuesday, CPI(M) leader and MLA Kulgam, M. Y. Tarigami, said that the devastating floods in September have caused heavy losses to human lives, properties, and standing crops in Jammu and Kashmir. The prolonged closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway has hit hard farmers and fruit growers. Despite tall claims and repeated assurances by the National Highway Authorities, the situation on Highway remains uncertain during this season when it is crucial for apple produce to reach the markets in the rest of the country.

The GOI should take urgent steps to facilitate the apple trucks to reach the market.

Due to intermittent rains, leaves and apple have been falling prematurely from trees, bringing huge losses to growers. Sher-i-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology(SKUAST) should have has guided and offered timely advice to farmers about preventive measures.

The recommendations of the Dr.Swaminathan Commission on distressed agriculture remain mostly unimplemented. J&K, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand have been hit hard, yet apple has not been brought under the recommendations for the Minimum Support Price (MSP).

Despite big claims by authorities regarding Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna (PMFBY) launched in 2016, the main crop of the farmers i.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channele. apple production has not been covered under this scheme. These are crops with almost no significant losses, while apple, the most vulnerable crop, is excluded. Insurance companies, including Reliance, IFFCO, Bajaj Finance, and the Agriculture Insurance Company, have reportedly earned hundreds of crores of premium since 2016 but remain reluctant to insure apple crop.

There is an urgent need to reintroduce the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) so that rotten apples can be procured and used for juice and jam manufacturing. If the Government of India does not support this, the UT administration must bring the scheme under the CAPEX Budget to compensate growers.

There is acute shortage of cold storage facilities in the valley despite big announcements regarding availability of government land which could have been used for this purpose.

“The government cannot remain indifferent. Protecting horticulture means protecting the livelihood of farmers which remains the backbone of Kashmir’s economy”.

The Government of India should announce sufficient relief to help the floods victims and apple growers and traders who have suffered huge losses because of inclement weather, floods and the blockade of the national highway.(KNS)