Srinagar, September 24: Horticulture continues to be a major contributor to Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, supporting the livelihoods of around 35 lakh people, including nearly 7.5 lakh families, the Government informed the Legislative Assembly on Thursday.
Agriculture Production Minister Javid Ahmad Dar said the horticulture sector contributes approximately 10 per cent to J&K’s GDP and generates an estimated annual income of around Rs 12,000 crore.
Responding to questions raised by MLAs Pirzada Farooq Ahmed Shah, Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Mir and Irfan Hafiz Lone, along with a supplementary question by MLA Shabir Ahmad Kullay, the Minister said horticulture has significant employment potential, particularly in rural areas.
According to the Government, one hectare of orchard area generates around 400 man-days of employment annually, making the sector an important source of livelihood for rural communities.
12.89 Lakh Farmers Covered Under Crop Insurance
On crop insurance, Dar said the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is currently being implemented across all 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said approximately 13.985 lakh farmer families in the Union Territory are eligible to avail the scheme’s benefits. The scheme is demand-driven and there is no cap on the number of farmers who can enrol, subject to eligibility and prescribed guidelines.
As per available data, 6,86,741.37 hectares have been covered under the scheme, benefiting 12,89,917 farmers. A total of 3,72,134 claims have been registered, involving approximately Rs 221.71 crore.
Dar acknowledged that farmers and orchardists in several areas have suffered losses due to natural calamities, including hailstorms, floods and heavy rainfall.
He said crop losses are assessed by departmental field functionaries and assistance is provided wherever admissible under applicable schemes and guidelines.
The Minister said PMFBY provides insurance coverage against notified natural risks, including hailstorms, for notified crops. The basic cover includes protection against yield losses caused by risks such as drought, floods, inundation, pest and disease attacks, landslides, lightning-induced natural fires, storms, hailstorms and cyclones, subject to notified crops, areas and applicable guidelines.
Special Campaign to Clear Pending Claims
Addressing the issue of pending insurance claims, Dar said some genuine claims remain pending due to Aadhaar non-verification, closed bank accounts, non-seeding of Aadhaar with the NPCI mapper and blocked or frozen bank accounts.
He said the Government has launched a special campaign to resolve failed payment transactions and facilitate the settlement of eligible pending claims.
Around 60 per cent of affected farmers have already been contacted, while the required documents are being collected for verification and further action, he said.
Measures to Ensure Smooth Fruit Transportation
On transportation of horticultural produce during the peak fruit season, the Minister said the Government has strengthened traffic and logistics management through coordinated measures aimed at ensuring the timely movement of fruit and other horticultural produce.
A dedicated Control Room at Qazigund has been established for real-time traffic monitoring, coordination with concerned agencies and dissemination of advisories to growers, traders and transporters.
The Mughal Road is also being used as an alternative route wherever feasible to ease congestion and reduce pressure on NH-44.
Dar said railway parcel, goods and freight services from Anantnag and Budgam to Delhi have also been facilitated and promoted for transporting horticultural produce.
He said these measures are aimed at diversifying the transportation network, reducing dependence on NH-44 and minimising the risk of prolonged delays involving fruit-laden vehicles during the peak harvest season.
The Minister reiterated the Government’s commitment to protecting the interests of farmers and orchardists, improving crop insurance mechanisms, expediting genuine claims and strengthening transportation, logistics and market connectivity.
He also said farmers are receiving benefits under various schemes of the Holistic Agriculture Development Plan (HADP), including subsidies of more than 60 per cent for eligible projects.
