Hail threat to crops : Govt working on weather-based crop insurance scheme: Minister Javid Dar
Says Centre revising framework; final rollout after approval from Central committee
Urges farmers to adopt anti-hail nets as protection against recurring weather-related crop damage
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmad Dar on Thursday said the government is actively pursuing a weather-based crop insurance scheme for farmers, but its implementation is awaiting clearance from the Central government, which is currently revising the framework of the scheme.
The minister made these remarks while flagging off a group of farmers for an exposure visit to Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir aimed at providing first-hand experience and awareness about modern agricultural practices and crop protection measures.
Addressing the gathering, Dar said recurring hailstorms and erratic weather conditions have emerged as a major concern for farmers across Jammu and Kashmir, causing considerable damage to standing crops and orchards during the peak agricultural season.
“We had proposed a weather-based crop insurance scheme for farmers, but the Government of India informed us that the scheme is currently being revised. Therefore, we had to put the process on hold for the time being,” he said.
The minister added that a committee has already been constituted at the Central level and the Union government is examining the modalities of the revised scheme.
“Once the committee gives its nod and the Centre finalises the framework, only then can we move ahead with its implementation,” he said.
Describing hailstorms as a recurring natural disaster in Kashmir, particularly during the month of May, Dar said the government has already introduced several support measures to minimise losses suffered by farmers.
He urged cultivators to take advantage of the anti-hail net subsidy scheme being provided by the Agriculture Department.
“Many farmers are already using anti-hail nets to protect their crops from weather damage. The cost of one such net is around Rs 40,000, of which the government provides Rs 20,000 as subsidy, while the remaining amount is borne by the farmer,” he said.
Dar said the initiative has proved beneficial in safeguarding orchards and crops from sudden hailstorms and changing weather patterns.
“I believe farmers should avail themselves of this scheme and adopt preventive measures till a comprehensive crop insurance mechanism is fully implemented,” he added.
The minister said the exposure visit to SKUAST-K was organised to familiarise farmers with modern farming techniques, scientific interventions and innovative methods that can help improve productivity and reduce losses caused by climate-related challenges.
Farmers participating in the programme expressed hope that the proposed insurance scheme would provide much-needed relief and security against unpredictable weather events, which continue to impact agricultural livelihoods in the Valley.
