Weather based crop insurance for farmers
Suhail Bhat
SRINAGAR, July 3: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said today that the Government will establish a Clean Plant Centre in Kashmir to provide disease-resistant plants to the horticulturists in the region.
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Addressing a press conference here, the Minister said local horticulture products are facing problems as imported new plants were getting infected by viruses within three to four years of being planted.
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“In our country, there are many horticultural crops-apples, almonds, and walnuts-and the farmers of J&K work very hard to cultivate them. But a major problem persists. Often, the horticultural plants brought from outside appear fine at first, but after 2-3 years, farmers discover that they are infected with viruses or bacteria,” he said.
“That is why it is important to ensure clean, disease-free planting material. I am happy to share that under the MIDH scheme, a central institute worth Rs 150 crore will be established in Srinagar-a clean plant center that will focus on apples, almonds, walnuts, and berries,” Chouhan said.
The Minister said that once established, it will also support private nurseries to develop clean plants-free from viruses, bacteria, and diseases-so that quality planting material is available to farmers.
He said that the focus will be on improving the quality of plants for crops like apples, almonds and walnuts at this centre.
Chouhan said several schemes will soon be started for the coverage of horticultural crops in the crop insurance scheme, so that horticulture can be mapped.
“A tissue culture lab will be developed in Kashmir to promote saffron cultivation, while saffron nurseries will also be set up. Quality control labs will also be set up at Kathua, Anantnag and Baramulla in order to check the fertility and health of the soil,” he added.
“There has been a demand for setting up a Regional Horticulture Centre in the Jammu region, for which ICAR will provide assistance,” the Minister said.
“Under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), dedicated irrigation projects will also be developed in the command area to bridge the gap in providing water from canals to the fields,” Chouhan said.
“Reforms will also be made in the National Saffron Mission, keeping in mind the specialities of Jammu and Kashmir. A special team of scientists will be formed to work on this to increase productivity,” he said.
The Minister said that agriculture employs more than 50% of the country’s population, and here, in J&K, it employs even more people. “The question is-how can we improve it? How can we make a farmer’s life better? For me, serving farmers as the Minister of Agriculture is like worshipping God,” he added.
“I am pleased that today, sitting with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, we discussed many important issues. One such initiative from Jammu and Kashmir-Kisan Khidmat Ghar-is a good initiative. It is a very commendable step. It provides all agricultural services to farmers in one place-a true one-stop center where all necessary facilities are available,” he said.
“Another issue we discussed was related to the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN). Some farmers who are actively cultivating land are not receiving the benefits because they lack legal ownership papers, even though they have Government permission to farm. We are discussing this matter with the relevant authorities to find a solution,” he added.
“We will also implement the Restructured Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) to ensure proper crop mapping and insurance coverage, benefitting farmers.”
“In the Jammu region, we have proposed the establishment of a Regional Horticulture Center, with infrastructure support from ICAR and Jammu Agricultural University”.
He said that currently, the CA (controlled atmosphere) storage capacity is 18 months in J&K and it has been decided to extend it to 24 months. “Under the horticulture mission, subsidies are provided for up to 5,000 metric tons, but there is demand to increase the capacity to 6,000 metric tons. We have decided that even if the storage capacity is increased to 6,000 metric tons, the subsidy will still apply to 5,000 metric tons,” he added.
“We are also collaborating with ICAR, the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, and a Dutch university to sign an MoU for agricultural development”.
“To address issues faced under the agricultural mission, we will focus on boosting the production of temperate nuts and berries through research. Our scientists will also work on enhancing productivity in rain-fed areas, with attention to aquatic crops and aquaculture.”
“For natural farming, we will research each crop individually. Scientists will also work on high-density orchards to improve productivity.”
“The Prime Minister recently visited and announced the fourth phase of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, with an investment of Rs 4,200 crore, to enhance rural road connectivity. I am glad the groundwork is moving quickly, and road construction will begin soon”.
“Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, 93% of approved homes have been constructed. For the remaining homeless families, the Prime Minister has resolved to provide permanent housing. In Jammu and Kashmir, around 5 lakh names have been identified for this benefit. We have asked for final verification, and once done, construction will begin so that everyone can have a roof over their head,” he said.
“Another excellent initiative in Jammu and Kashmir is under NRLM (National Rural Livelihood Mission), where rural poverty is being tackled-especially for women-through self-help groups. The ‘Lakhpati Didi’ scheme aims to ensure women earn at least Rs 1 lakh annually, and it is progressing well”.
Moreover, not only ‘Lakhpati Didis’ but also ‘Millennial Didis’ are emerging, with annual incomes of Rs 10 lakh. A booklet released today documents their success stories.
“We are committed to eliminating rural poverty through women’s economic empowerment. Under MGNREGA, there were challenges, but solutions have been found. Targets have been set, and employment under MGNREGA will proceed in J&K.”
“Youth skill training for employment will also be launched with a new approach. Several important issues were addressed today.”
The Minister said that if eligible farmers have not yet received Kisan Credit Cards, the Government will ensure they are included. “Despite the challenges, we are moving forward with implementing Central Government schemes and resolving existing problems. This is the Prime Minister’s vision,” he added.
“In Jammu and Kashmir, our team is working with full commitment to drive development forward. I thank the Prime Minister and his team. Both the Central and UT Governments are working together with determination.”
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