Fruit Growers pin hopes on new Govt for crop insurance, import controls

Baramulla, Oct 10: As the National Conference (NC) and Congress alliance prepares to form a new government in Jammu and Kashmir, the region's fruit growers are expressing renewed hope for the implementation of long-awaited agricultural reforms, particularly crop insurance and restrictions on duty-free apple imports.

The fruit-growing community, which forms the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir's agricultural economy, has been battling multiple challenges ranging from extreme weather events to market uncertainties. Their persistent demand for a comprehensive crop insurance scheme may finally see the light of day under the incoming administration.

National Conference in its manifesto pledged to restrict the import of apples and to increase of minimum assessment value of imported apples to safeguard domestic farmers and also have a minimum support price for apple for domestic farmers. Besides, have promised to make all efforts to exempt horticulture products from GST regime.

For years, farmers in Jammu and Kashmir, especially those engaged in the cultivation of apples, pears, cherries, and other fruits, have been demanding an insurance scheme that would provide them with financial security against risks such as frost, hailstorms, heavy rains, and droughts. These weather-related risks have frequently devastated fruit production, leading to substantial losses for the growers.

Ghulam Ahmad, a fruit grower from the Rafiabad area of Baramulla district, expressed his hope that the new government will follow through on its promise. “Every year, we invest everything in our orchards, but one bad weather spell can ruin an entire season. We’ve been requesting crop insurance for so long. The National Conference assured us that this will be a priority, and now that they’re forming the government, we believe they will take steps to implement it."

The absence of a comprehensive crop insurance scheme has left the region’s fruit growers vulnerable, especially given that fruit cultivation is one of the largest contributors to the state’s economy. Thousands of families depend on fruit production for their livelihoods, and the lack of any form of protection has made them particularly susceptible to financial ruin.

For many fruit growers, the crop insurance scheme represents more than just financial security. It would provide a safety net that could stabilise incomes, help them recover quickly from losses, and encourage more investments in modern agricultural practices. They also hope that the scheme would improve their bargaining power when it comes to negotiating prices for their produce in markets across the country.

The Congress party, which is in alliance with the National Conference, has also voiced support for the agricultural community. During the election campaign, Congress leaders emphasised their commitment to improving the infrastructure and financial security of farmers, including fruit growers.

“The apple from Kashmir will reach to the global market and we are committed to it. Once we will come in power in Jammu and Kashmir, we will ensure that the apple industry of Kashmir thrives,” said a Congress leader earlier during election campaign in apple rich area of Sopore.

The new government faces significant expectations from the farming community, and it is likely that the fruit growers will closely watch how quickly the crop insurance scheme is implemented.