Javaid Naikoo
Early Times Report
Srinagar, July 23: As state government is still uncertain about introducing Crop Insurance Scheme, the massive crop loss worth Rs 3675 crore and washing away of 3800 hectares of land during last year's floods is yet to open eyes of authorities.
As per official figures, loss to crops and fruits which include apple orchards, paddy, maize fields and vegetable gardens in 10 districts of Kashmir besides Leh district of Ladakh division, around 38000 hectares of land was either completely washed away or damaged by floods of September 2014.
Besides out of the 3 lakh hectares of crop area in Kashmir division, around 1.35 lakh hectares were also damaged by flood while as 1.65 lakh hectares were severely affected due to incessant rains, drop in temperature and diseases to different crops, vegetables and fruits.
In terms of loss to productions, official accounts reveal that it was assessed at 8,54,213 MT in respect of cereals, 5,08,492 MT in respect of vegetables, 14,02,472 MT of fodder, 1773 MT of pulses and 11 MT of saffron and the overall loss was estimated as Rs 3675 crore.
However at a time when government is providing relief to flood affected, people whose houses and business units were damaged, it has forgotten people associated with horticulture and agriculture sectors as not a single penny as part of relief was provided to them till date.
Minister for Horticulture Abdul Rehman Veeri while admitting failure of government to provide relief to the flood-hit people associated with horticulture sector said, "Government is keen to help orchardists and farmers but any process of relief and rehabilitation will be started once funds are available with government."
"We have sent a proposal of Rs 15,00 crore to the Centre only with a sole purpose to help flood affected orchardists and farmers who suffered massive loss during last year floods and are yet to receive any kind relief from government which is a fact and cannot be overlooked," said Veeri.
Immediately after the floods, authorities formulated an assistance plan of Rs 64.17 crore for farmers in Kashmir. However official sources said that central government has even choked funds meant for use in official purposes and they not hopeful for release of funds for rehabilitation of orchardists in near future.
Pertinently, the floods of last year also washed away soil, pesticide and fertilizer testing labs of Lal Mandi, Srinagar which are yet to be constructed, adding to the worries of orchardists and farmers. |
