CPI(M) demands details on damage of kharif crops in J&K

Jammu and Kashmir CPI(M) today demanded details of the damage caused by torrential rains and hailstorms during the recent kharif season in the state and the compensation paid to the affected fruit growers and farmers.
"The government should come out with a white paper including details on the status of assessing the losses of fruit growers and farmers and compensation paid to them on account of losses they suffered due to torrential rains and hailstorm during the recent kharif season," CPI(M) State Secretary M Y Tarigami said in a statement here.
Taking an exception to the "unwarranted delay" in introduction and implementation of Crop Insurance Scheme (CIS) in the state, he said the scheme will save the fruit growers and agriculturists in the event of losses suffered due to natural calamities.

Tarigami, who had a meeting with a delegation of horticulturists and agriculturists at his residence, said he will raise the issue in coming assembly session.
He asked the government that it should also come up with details on steps taken to waive off the interest on the agricultural and horticultural loans in view of the damages caused to these sectors due to heavy rains and hailstorm.
"The government should explain the reasons of insensitivity displayed in delaying the construction of cold stores at district headquarters in the fruit-growing areas for preservation of different kinds of fruit, especially apple, which rots in the absence of cold store facilities, inflicting huge losses to the growers," Tarigami said.

He said the present dispensation must also brief the farmers about the steps taken to bring under walnut cultivation, the estimated 0.50 lakh hectares of hilly tracts, located in backward areas of the state.
He demanded that government should provide details about steps taken to impose ban on import and sale of sub-standard chemical fertilizers and pesticides as the use of which has caused damage to fruit and crops.