Under the scheme, apple and saffron crops in Kashmir division and mango, litchi and saffron (Kishtwar only) in Jammu division will be covered under a weather-indexed model.
Two insurers — Agriculture Insurance Company of India and Tata AIG General Insurance — have been identified as the lowest bidders (L1) for implementing the Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme covering apple and saffron crops in Jammu and Kashmir.
The disclosure came in a written reply to a starred question moved by an MLA regarding crop insurance for apple growers. The government informed the House that the Scheme has been introduced for major horticulture crops, with the tendering process completed and allotment of work to L1 insurance companies currently underway.
According to the supplementary reply, four bids were received from empanelled insurers for apple and saffron crops in Kashmir division, while five bids were received for notified crops in Jammu division. After evaluation of premium quotes, the two L1 firms were selected for three clusters of Kashmir division — K1, K2 and K3 — and one cluster of Jammu division (J1).
Under the scheme, apple and saffron crops in Kashmir division and mango, litchi and saffron (Kishtwar only) in Jammu division will be covered under a weather-indexed model. Insurance payouts will be linked to notified weather parameters recorded at designated stations, enabling faster and more objective settlement of claims compared to conventional crop-loss assessments.
The move is significant for apple growers, who until now lacked a dedicated weather-based insurance cover and often bore losses caused by climate shocks on their own. Last year, repeated spells of hailstorms and torrential rains damaged orchards in Shopian, a key apple belt, sharply affecting yields and farmer incomes.
Officials said the scheme aims to provide risk protection and income stability to horticulture farmers amid rising weather volatility, with detailed operational guidelines and enrolment drives expected ahead of the coming crop season.
Kashmir contributes more than 75 per cent of India’s apple production, making it the country’s leading apple-growing region. The crop supports lakhs of households through orchard work, trade and allied sectors. Alongside apple, GI-tagged saffron grown mainly in Pampore and adjoining areas remains a high-value crop, adding export strength and premium income potential to the horticulture economy.
Source - https://www.thehindubusinessline.com
