Mustafa Kamal urges Govt to compensate north Kashmir’s orchardists

Srinagar, Oct 6: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Additional General Secretary, Sheikh Mustafa Kamal Monday expressed deep concern over the losses suffered by orchardists in Rafiabad due to the recent hailstorm in the area.

In a statement, Dr Kamal said that apple growers across north Kashmir, have been severely impacted by the prolonged closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway. The disruption delayed the transportation of fruit to markets across the country, forcing many growers to dump their produce much of which has now spoiled.

"With the highway closed, most orchardists delayed harvesting their apples, hoping the road would reopen soon. However, the incessant rains have dashed those hopes, destroying the fruit that was still on the trees," he said. Dr Kamal called on the elected government who have been vocal about supporting growers to rise to the occasion and compensate the affected orchardists at Minimum Support Price (MSP) rates.

He appealed to the district administrations across north Kashmir to actively engage with the orchardists and provide the government with accurate assessments of the damage.