The Jammu and Kashmir government’s decision to revive a weather-based crop insurance scheme has sparked fresh hope among apple growers, many of whom have been demanding a reliable protection mechanism against mounting weather-related losses.
For years, orchardists across Kashmir have watched their crops suffer due to hailstorms, untimely rain, strong winds and unseasonal snowfall. While relief packages are occasionally announced after major disasters, growers say they often fall short of compensating the actual losses incurred by farmers.
The government’s renewed push for a comprehensive insurance cover is therefore being seen as a potentially game-changing step for the horticulture sector, which forms the backbone of the Valley’s rural economy.
“This is something growers have been asking for over a long period. Weather patterns have changed drastically and farming has become much riskier than before,” said Abdul Rashid Mir, an apple grower from Shopian. “If implemented properly, the insurance scheme can provide much-needed financial security to orchard owners.”
The proposal comes at a time when several fruit-growing areas have witnessed repeated weather disturbances during the ongoing season. Farmers say a single hailstorm can destroy fruit quality and reduce market returns, leaving families under severe financial stress.
According to growers, one of the biggest advantages of a weather-based insurance model is that compensation is linked to specific weather events rather than lengthy field assessments, potentially making claim settlements faster and more transparent.
“We invest lakhs of rupees every year on pesticides, fertilizers, labour and packaging. When a natural calamity strikes, the losses are enormous,” said Mohammad Yousuf Wani, a grower from Sopore. “Insurance can act as a safety cushion and help farmers recover without falling into debt.”
Agriculture and horticulture experts believe the scheme could encourage farmers to continue investing in their orchards despite growing climate uncertainties.
“Climate change is no longer a future concern; it is already affecting production cycles and crop quality,” said horticulture expert Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad. “A well-designed insurance mechanism can reduce risk, improve confidence among growers and strengthen the overall horticulture economy.”
Farmers, however, say the success of the programme will depend on affordable premiums, easy registration procedures and timely compensation.
“Previous schemes did not gain much traction because many farmers found them complicated or expensive,” said Bashir Ahmad Dar, an orchardist from Pulwama. “The government must ensure that small and marginal growers are able to benefit from it.”
The horticulture sector supports thousands of families in Jammu and Kashmir and contributes significantly to employment and rural income. Apple cultivation alone accounts for a major share of the region’s agricultural economy.
Growers say that if the proposed insurance scheme is implemented effectively, it could not only protect farmers from financial shocks but also provide long-term stability to an industry increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events.
With climate-related challenges becoming more frequent, many orchardists view the insurance initiative as a long-awaited safeguard that could help secure the future of Kashmir’s apple economy.
Source - https://www.morningkashmir.com
