Arshad Farooq
Srinagar, Sep 19: Director Horticulture Kashmir, Vikas Anand, on Friday said the government was in talks with insurance companies to ensure farmers in the Valley get crop insurance benefits at the earliest.
“Insurance of crops is in the government’s pipeline. We had floated tenders earlier but only one bidder came forward. Now, with three companies participating, discussions are underway. We are hopeful that very soon farmers in Kashmir will be able to avail the benefit of crop insurance so that they get compensated if their crops suffer losses,” Anand said.
Highlighting measures to regulate fertilizers and chemicals used in orchards, the Director said the department has formulated a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). “Only those fertilizers and chemicals permitted by the government will be allowed into Kashmir markets. The government will decide how much is required. Various agencies are working to check the quality of these inputs to ensure farmers get the right products,” he said.
Vikas Anand also said that stranded consignments of fertilizers and chemicals were being cleared and supplied to growers. “We are ensuring that essential inputs reach farmers on time,” he added.
The Director acknowledged the problems farmers faced due to the recent closures of the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway, which delayed transportation of fruit-laden trucks. “Yes, farmers did face delays in transporting their produce. At some places, fruit drop also caused losses. However, the situation has now improved, and transportation of fruits is taking place normally,” he said.
