SRINAGAR: Appealing Government to make a comprehensive policy for farmers and fruit growers, AIP President Er. Rasheed has sought immediate attention of the Government towards the havoc created by hail storm, floods and high speed winds in entire north Kashmir especially Tangmarg, Pattan, Kalaroos, Quaziabad Langate and other places.
After visiting many effected areas Er. Rasheed in a statement said “Every year natural calamities destroy paddy, Fruit and other crops but except condolences and fake survey’s nothing concrete happens on the ground. Every year horticulture, agriculture and revenue authorities carry out surveys and thus increase the hope of farmers but at the end either some nominal amount is paid to the farmers or the false promises remain unfilled, thus eroding the credibility of the system”.
Er. Rasheed asked Government not to forget that fruit industry is the backbone of state economy and both Agriculture and Horticulture sector deserve top priority of the Government, However that is never happening. He said “Government should make a policy that must ensure time bound compensation to the victims of natural calamities. Much has been talked about crop insurance schemes but unfortunately the fate of farmers remains unchanged. Just having assessments and doing nothing beyond that is like adding salt to the injuries.
Governor Satya Pal Malik should intervene and allocate a sufficient amount to meet the natural calamities like floods and hailstorm, which have become a routine due to changing climates all over the world”. (PTK)
