A hailstorm in early June caused extensive damage to apple crops across fifteen villages in the Zainapora constituency of Jammu and Kashmir, affecting more than 2,000 orchardists, according to a government statement.

In a written reply to a question raised by MLA Showkat Hussain Ganie regarding the revival of the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), the Agriculture Production Department (Horticulture Sector) stated, "Hailstorm has affected the apple crop in fifteen (15) villages of Zainapora constituency on June 2nd, 2025. A total of 540.65 hectares of area across 15 villages, comprising 2,036 orchardists, were affected."

Responding to a query about the economic role of the apple industry and the impact of natural disasters, the department noted that "about 35 lakh people (7.5 lakh families) are associated with this sector, contributing around 8% to the State Gross Domestic Product (SGDP). The sector generates approximately Rs 10,000 crore (about US$1.2 billion) in annual income and provides major employment opportunities, with one hectare of orchard generating about 400 man-days per year."

On the question of reviving the Market Intervention Scheme, the department said, "The Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) was announced by the Government of J&K in 2019 for procurement of apple fruit through the Government of India's authorized enterprise, National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation Ltd. (NAFED), to benefit farmers by facilitating timely marketing of their produce during the Covid-19 pandemic. As of now, no such proposal is under consideration for revival of the scheme."

The statement added that new measures are being explored to mitigate weather-related risks. "Weather-based insurance scheme tenders have been issued by the department to address the issue," it said.

The government's data highlight the vulnerability of the apple sector to natural disasters. With over 540 hectares affected in a single event, the losses have renewed discussions about long-term crop protection and market support mechanisms in the region's key horticultural areas.

Source - https://www.freshplaza.com