CPI (M) leader and Kulgam MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami has criticised the failure to implement the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) in Kashmir, despite repeated natural calamities and the Centre’s promise of up to 90 percent subsidy for farmers in Himalayan regions.

Addressing a press conference in Srinagar following recent hailstorms and windstorms that damaged fruit orchards across the Valley, Tarigami urged the government to immediately assess the status of PMFBY and release compensation for affected farmers. “Agriculture is the backbone of Kashmir’s economy. The apple industry sustains thousands of households. Yet, when disasters strike, our farmers are left without institutional support,” he said.

Tarigami said that although PMFBY was launched across India in 2016–17, its implementation in Kashmir has remained limited. “Only one district in the Valley was initially included, while several districts in Jammu were covered. No serious effort has been made to extend the scheme across Kashmir,” he said.

He criticised the early reluctance of insurance agencies to operate in Kashmir and blamed the government for failing to ensure proper follow-up. “Farmers are still unsure whether apples, cherries, and walnuts are covered under the scheme. The lack of clarity and communication is alarming,” he said.

Tarigami also pointed to problems in the damage assessment process, which he said still relies on the outdated patwari system. “This leads to inaccurate reports and often results in politically or bureaucratically influenced compensation. A modern, transparent system is needed,” he said.

Appealing to the administration, political parties, civil society, and the media, Tarigami said support for the farming community is crucial. “The government must not let growers bear losses in silence. Their future is Kashmir’s future. Relief and accountability must come before it is too late,” he said.

He concluded by calling for “proactive governance, not token gestures,” and stressed the need to rebuild trust with farmers through consistent policy implementation and direct support.

Source - https://kashmirlife.net