The Biz Reporter
Srinagar, Apr 20: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) expresses profound concern regarding the substantial losses suffered by fruit growers across Kashmir following recent severe weather conditions and flash floods in Ramban district in Jammu, which have caused devastating losses.
As per reports, numerous fruit orchards throughout the districts of Shopian, Kulgam, Bandipora, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Budgam, Pulwama, and other areas of the Valley experienced catastrophic damage from intense hailstorms accompanied by lightning, thunderstorms, and powerful winds. These weather events left orchards blanketed in ice, severely impacting Kashmir’s vital fruit industry—a cornerstone of the region’s economy.
KCCI has been vigorously advocating for introducing a comprehensive crop insurance scheme for several years. The Chamber has engaged in continuous dialogue with government officials, submitted detailed proposals to highlight the urgent necessity of such protection for the region’s agricultural sector.
The absence of a crop insurance scheme has significantly compounded the challenges faced by orchard owners. The recent weather events have devastated the hopes of fruit growers and dealers across the Valley, creating not only immediate hardships for orchard owners /fruit growers but also triggering wider economic repercussions throughout the horticulture sector.
KCCI urgently calls upon the government to immediately conduct a thorough assessment of the damages incurred across all affected districts and strongly recommends that assessment teams include representatives from both the horticulture department and agricultural experts to ensure accurate evaluation of losses.
Furthermore, we request that the administration provide prompt and adequate compensation to affected farmers, particularly the marginal growers who lack the financial reserves to absorb such catastrophic losses. Timely disbursement of relief funds is essential to prevent further economic distress and enable orchard rehabilitation.
KCCI urges the administration to expedite the implementation of a comprehensive crop insurance program tailored to the specific needs of Kashmir’s fruit industry, ensuring that growers receive adequate protection and compensation during times of natural disaster.
