 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Sept 24: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, today informed the Legislative Assembly that the horticulture sector remains one of the key pillars of Jammu & Kashmir's economy, supporting the livelihoods and employment of a large section of the population.
The Minister was responding to a clubbed question raised by MLAs Pirzada Farooq Ahmed Shah, Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Mir and Irfan Hafiz Lone, along with the supplementary raised by MLA Shabir Ahmad Kullay.
Javid Dar said that approximately 35 lakh people, comprising nearly 7.5 lakh families, are directly or indirectly associated with the horticulture sector. The sector contributes approximately 10 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the Union Territory and generates an estimated annual income of around Rs 12,000 crore.
He further stated that horticulture has considerable employment potential, with one hectare of orchard area generating approximately 400 man-days of employment annually, thereby making a significant contribution to rural livelihoods and the broader economy of J&K.
On crop insurance, the Minister said that the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is presently being implemented across all 20 districts of Jammu & Kashmir.
He informed the House that the scheme is demand-driven and there is no cap on the number of farmers who can avail its benefits, subject to prescribed guidelines and eligibility criteria. He said that approximately 13.985 lakh Farmer Families (FoFs) in the UT are eligible to avail the benefits of the scheme.
As per the available data, 6,86,741.37 hectares of area has been covered, benefiting 12,89,917 farmers, while 3,72,134 claims have been registered involving an amount of approximately Rs 221.71 crore.
The Minister acknowledged that farmers and orchardists in various areas have suffered losses due to natural calamities, including hailstorms, floods and heavy rains.
He said that the Department undertakes assessment of crop losses through its field functionaries and extends assistance and relief, wherever admissible, under the provisions of applicable schemes and guidelines.
Javid Dar stated that PMFBY provides insurance coverage against notified natural risks, including hailstorms, for notified crops. The basic cover provides area-based insurance against yield losses in standing crops from sowing to harvesting arising from non-preventable risks such as drought, dry spells, floods, inundation, widespread pest and disease attacks, landslides, natural fire due to lightning, storms, hailstorms and cyclones, subject to notified crops, areas and applicable guidelines. |
