Srinagar Apr 07 (KNO): Cabinet Minister Sakeena Itoo on Tuesday said the government is actively working towards the implementation of a comprehensive crop insurance scheme to safeguard farmers and orchardists against losses caused by natural calamities.
The minister visited several hailstorm-affected villages of Kulgam district, where she took stock of the extensive damage caused to horticulture orchards, crops, residential structures, and public infrastructure.
The areas, Itoo visited, included D.H. Pora, Nihama, Manzgam, Bathipora, Ladgoo Rambhama, Pombay and adjoining localities, many of which witnessed severe damage at a crucial stage of orchard flowering, raising concerns among fruit growers about significant production losses this season.
Conducting an on-the-spot assessment, the minister, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), interacted with affected families, farmers, and local representatives, assuring them of the government’s full support during the crisis.
“Our government stands firmly with the farming community in this difficult time. We are committed to ensuring that all losses are assessed fairly and compensated as per norms,” she said while speaking to reporters in Nehama in Kulgam.
Itoo said the government is working on implementing a crop insurance mechanism to protect growers from recurring weather-related shocks. “We are taking concrete steps towards introducing a crop insurance scheme so that farmers are financially secured against such unforeseen calamities,” she added.
She directed the district administration to undertake a comprehensive and transparent damage assessment process. She said that field teams must be deployed immediately to conduct rapid surveys and compile loss reports within a fixed timeframe.
“District Administration has been asked to ensure accurate assessment of damages, facilitate timely relief under existing norms, and extend all possible assistance to affected orchardists and farmers without delay,” Itoo said.
The minister instructed officers from the agriculture, horticulture, and revenue departments to remain present on the ground, maintain close coordination with local representatives, and ensure that relief measures reach all affected villages promptly.
"The government will not only focus on immediate relief but also work towards strengthening resilience in the rural economy through policy interventions and support mechanisms," she said.
Senior officials, including the Sub-Divisional Magistrate Noorabad, Chief Agriculture Officer, Chief Horticulture Officer, and other concerned officers, accompanied the Minister during the visit—(KNO)