By Ajaz Rashid
The Jammu and Kashmir government’s recent announcement to extend crop insurance cover to apple, saffron, mango and litchi growers marks a significant step toward securing the region’s horticultural backbone. For a Union Territory where horticulture sustains nearly 35 lakh people and contributes around 8 percent to the GDP, this policy move signals more than administrative intent — it is an assurance of economic stability in an increasingly unpredictable climate.
The Re-structured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme, currently in its tendering phase, promises to shield growers from losses due to weather anomalies — a recurring nightmare for apple farmers in particular. In a region prone to untimely rains, hailstorms and temperature fluctuations, such an initiative could offer the much-needed cushion that has long been missing from the government’s support system.
Equally noteworthy is the government’s commitment to revive the Market Intervention Scheme which had once provided critical market support through NAFED during the COVID-19 slump. A revived MIS could help farmers negotiate fairer prices, buffer against market shocks and prevent distress sales — issues that have plagued growers for years.
However, insurance and market schemes alone cannot transform the sector unless supported by strong post-harvest infrastructure. The administration’s acknowledgement of the cold storage shortfall — only 2.92 lakh metric tonnes against a required 6 lakh — exposes the gaps that continue to drain profits and push small farmers into losses. The plan to expand Controlled Atmosphere storage and provide top-up subsidies through the UT Capex budget offers hope but timely implementation will be key.
The push to build new horticulture-specific industrial estates beyond Pulwama and Shopian coupled with the upgrading of fruit mandis at Prichoo and Pachhar reflects an encouraging expansionary vision. If executed effectively these initiatives could decentralize the horticultural economy, open up employment avenues and reduce regional disparity.
What emerges from the government’s latest response in the Assembly is a picture of cautious optimism — a recognition that horticulture is not merely an economic activity but a lifeline for thousands of rural families. The real test however lies ahead in transparent implementation, efficient tendering and accountability. Jammu and Kashmir’s orchards deserve not just promises but sustained policy execution that turns resilience into reality.
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