Srinagar, April 18: The Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers-cum-Dealers Union on Saturday urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to introduce a crop insurance scheme for the horticulture sector and revive key market support mechanisms during a meeting with Agriculture and Horticulture Minister Javaid Ahmad Dar.
The meeting, convened on an urgent basis, was attended by the presidents of various fruit growers’ associations from across the Valley under the leadership of Union Chairman Bashir Ahmad Basheer. The delegation presented a detailed charter of demands aimed at addressing longstanding concerns within the horticulture industry.
Among the main demands was the implementation of a crop insurance scheme for horticulture on the lines of the agriculture sector, which growers said would provide a critical safety net against weather-related losses. The Union also called for the re-introduction of the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) to stabilize prices during periods of glut.
Other issues raised included the issuance of licenses in fruit and vegetable markets across the Union Territory, concerns over the “unilateral behaviour” of cold storage owners, and the execution or transfer of lease deeds for shop sites, along with the allotment of shops and auction sheds.
The growers further demanded the constitution of a dedicated Horticulture Marketing Board and the establishment of a separate horticulture estate on the pattern of industrial estates in J&K. They also sought comprehensive development of fruit mandis across the Valley.
According to a statement issued by the Union, the minister gave a patient hearing to the delegation and assured that necessary action would be taken on the issues highlighted in the memorandum. He informed the delegation that the proposed crop insurance scheme is currently under active consideration and is likely to be implemented within one to one-and-a-half months.
In addition, representatives from various associations raised mandi-specific concerns related to infrastructure and development works. The minister assured that all such issues would be examined and addressed.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks, with the growers expressing hope for timely intervention to strengthen the horticulture sector, a key pillar of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy.
