Banakoot crop losses below 33%, farmers ineligible for SDRF subsidy: CM informs LA

Srinagar, September 25: Crop damage caused by hailstorm in parts of Banakoot Block of Bandipora has been assessed at less than 33 per cent, falling below the prescribed threshold for input subsidy under State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) norms, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah informed the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Thursday.

The Chief Minister, who also holds the Revenue portfolio, was responding to a Calling Attention Notice moved by Bandipora MLA Nizam-ud-Din Bhat regarding the hailstorm, accompanied by rainfall and gusty winds, that hit parts of Banakoot on September 6.

The weather event caused localised damage to agricultural and horticultural crops, including paddy, vegetables and fruit orchards.

Crop damage assessment

According to a report submitted by the Chief Agriculture Officer, Bandipora, the extent of crop damage in the affected areas was assessed at less than 33 per cent.

Omar Abdullah said the damage primarily included localised lodging and physical injury to paddy crops, minor damage to vegetables, and limited bruising, fruit drop and injury to fruits and foliage in orchards.

Since the assessed damage remains below the prescribed 33 per cent threshold, the affected cases do not qualify for input subsidy under the applicable SDRF norms, the Chief Minister said.

Farmers advised on crop management

The Chief Minister further informed the House that Agriculture and Horticulture field functionaries in the affected areas had been advising farmers on appropriate crop-management measures to minimise further losses.