A severe weather event in the Shopian district of Kashmir has led to extensive damage to the region's apple orchards, with estimates indicating that 50% to 70% of the apple crop has been destroyed. This event has placed a significant strain on the local economy, which heavily relies on the fruit industry.
The Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers cum Dealers Union, representing the interests of the region's fruit growers, has reiterated the need for a Crop Insurance Scheme, a measure that has yet to be implemented despite previous government announcements. The Union's chairman, Bashir Ahmad Basheer, emphasized the critical nature of this demand in light of the recent disaster.
In response to the hailstorm, the Union has made several requests to the local administration, including the immediate implementation of a Crop Insurance/Market Intervention Scheme, an assessment of the damage by experts from the Agriculture University (SKUAST) Shalimar and the Department of Horticulture, and adequate compensation for the affected fruit growers. These steps are seen as essential for providing a safety net for the industry and preventing future economic losses.
Source: ziraattimes.com