SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir administration is actively working to implement weather-based crop insurance schemes to safeguard farmers against agricultural losses, even as the Union government undertakes a revision of the national policy framework for such programs. The move aims to provide enhanced protection and introduce modern agricultural practices to cultivators across the Union Territory.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Javid Ahmad Dar, Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives and Elections, highlighted the ongoing efforts during a farmers’ training program in Srinagar. He emphasized that alongside insurance initiatives, the government is prioritizing training and awareness campaigns to equip farmers with knowledge of the latest agricultural technologies and innovations.
Farmer Training and Exposure
During the training program organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Advisory Board for Development of Kisans, Minister Dar stated that farmers are being provided with opportunities to engage with modern agricultural advancements. “Our objective is to ensure that farmers become aware of the latest technologies and innovations in the agriculture sector,” Dar remarked.
He further explained that a key component of these initiatives involves exposure visits, including one to SKUAST (Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology), where scientists are briefing farmers on contemporary farming techniques, research developments, and technological progress. These sessions are designed to impart practical knowledge that farmers can subsequently apply in their fields to boost productivity and improve crop yields.
Crop Insurance Scheme Under Process
Addressing concerns regarding crop damage due to hailstorms and other weather-related calamities, Minister Dar confirmed that the administration is committed to introducing weather-based crop insurance schemes in Jammu and Kashmir. He disclosed that while preparations for the scheme were largely complete, the Government of India’s decision to revise the policy framework for national insurance programs, including the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and the Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme, necessitated a temporary halt.
The revised policy framework from the Centre requires the Union Territory administration to await the finalization of these guidelines. “We had to wait because of the revised policy being formulated by the Government of India,” Dar explained. He noted that the tendering process for the scheme is yet to be concluded and that a committee has been established at the Union government level to review the matter.
Minister Dar expressed confidence that the crop insurance schemes would be rolled out promptly once the Centre finalizes its revised guidelines. This development is anticipated to offer crucial financial security to farmers, mitigating the impact of unpredictable weather events on their livelihoods.
The minister’s statement indicated that the administration has already initiated internal processes and is awaiting the central government’s directives to complete the remaining formalities, including the tendering process. The successful implementation of these schemes is expected to be a significant step towards enhancing the resilience of the agricultural sector in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Chenab Times News Desk