The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has voiced serious concern over the extensive damage suffered by fruit growers across the Valley in the wake of recent extreme weather events and flash floods in Jammu’s Ramban district, which have wreaked havoc on Kashmir’s horticulture sector.

According to ground reports, orchards in Shopian, Kulgam, Bandipora, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Budgam, Pulwama, and other areas were ravaged by a series of intense hailstorms, lightning, thunderstorms, and high-velocity winds. The sudden onslaught of hail blanketed large swathes of orchards, leaving behind a trail of destruction in one of the region’s most vital economic sectors.

KCCI, which has long championed the need for a robust crop insurance framework in Jammu and Kashmir, expressed deep disappointment over the continued absence of such a safety net. The Chamber said it has consistently raised the issue with government officials and submitted detailed proposals advocating for a comprehensive crop insurance scheme that reflects the vulnerabilities and specific challenges faced by orchardists in the Valley.

“The recent weather events have not only shattered the hopes of our fruit growers but also pose a serious threat to the economic fabric of the region,” the Chamber stated. “Without insurance coverage, the consequences of such natural calamities become devastating, especially for marginal growers who lack the financial cushion to recover.”

Calling for immediate action, KCCI urged the administration to initiate a district-wise assessment of damages, with evaluation teams comprising both horticulture department officials and agricultural experts to ensure transparency and accuracy. The Chamber also demanded swift and sufficient compensation for affected farmers, stressing that timely relief is crucial for economic stability and orchard rehabilitation.

Reiterating its long-standing demand, KCCI pressed the government to expedite the rollout of a region-specific crop insurance programme that can shield Kashmir’s fruit industry from the increasingly unpredictable climate-related challenges.

“Natural disasters are no longer rare occurrences—they are becoming a disturbing norm. The time for deliberation has passed; Kashmir’s fruit industry needs action, protection, and assurance,” the Chamber added.

Source - https://kashmirlife.net