Budget has failed to address our key demands: Fruit growers

Srinagar, Mar 7: The Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Union (KVFGU) has expressed deep disappointment over the exclusion of crucial crop insurance for horticulture and an effective market intervention scheme in the government’s newly unveiled budget.

Bashir Ahmad Basheer, Chairman of the KVFGU, emphasized the crucial role fruit growers play in the region’s economy, stating, “It is unfortunate that this being the elected government’s first budget, it has completely ignored fruit growers, who are the real backbone of the horticulture sector.”

Despite the horticulture sector generating over 8 crore man-days of employment and significantly contributing to the regional economy, Basheer highlighted that the latest budget fails to address the pressing needs of this vital industry. “Our demand for yield-based crop insurance and a market intervention scheme, which we highlighted during our pre-budget interactions with the government, has not found any mention in the budget,” he added.

The KVFGU asserts that the agriculture policies must prioritize support for the horticulture sector, which is essential not only for local livelihoods but for the overall economic health of the region. The union urges the government to reconsider its stance and take immediate action to introduce measures that protect and uplift fruit growers.

The KVFGU remains hopeful that as the government continues to refine its agricultural policies, the voices of farmers will be heard and addressed. “We stand ready to work with the government in ensuring that the essentials of crop insurance and market intervention are included in future decisions for the benefit of our hardworking farmers,” Basheer concluded.