JK Govt to implement Crop insurance scheme from next year

Jammu and Kashmir will implement crop insurance scheme "Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana" (PMFBY) from next year, Minister for Agriculture production G N Lone Hanjura said today.
Highlighting the steps taken to boost the agriculture sector, Hanjura said the agriculture produce and the mandies would be made a regular feature in all agriculture dominant areas.
He said the government would also explore the possibility to create cold storage facilities at fruit and vegetable mandies and improve irrigation facilities in the potential areas.
Hanjura was addressing a gathering after inaugurating work of the Pargwal Canal Command project here at block Pargwal, Chhamb.

The project, taken up under "Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)", is being developed at a cost of Rs 15.35 crore and would cover a culturable command area of 2860 hectares spread over 6 panchayats and 26 villages of block Khour and Tehsil Akhnoor.
The project aimed to increase water efficiency is scheduled to be completed within three years.

The Minister said the development of canal distribution system under this project will provideessential irrigation support to the farmers of the area and boost their productivity.
He said the government was committed to giving high priority to water security through effective implementation of 'Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY).

He said focused attention was being paid to popularise micro irrigation system in the state to improve productivity- "Per drop, more crop".
He said that 70 per cent of the state's economy was directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture and the present government has laid special thrust on the development of this sector.