Srinagar, Oct 6: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has called on the government to announce an immediate waiver of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans and interest exemption on Cash Credit (CC) accounts to prevent the collapse of Jammu and Kashmir’s horticulture sector, which has been severely impacted by recent disruptions.
Addressing reporters at the party headquarters, Mufti described the situation faced by fruit growers and traders this year as “unprecedented,” attributing the crisis primarily to the prolonged closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway and the government’s “delayed and inadequate response.” She warned that unless urgent financial relief is provided, the sector — a backbone of J&K’s rural economy — could face irreversible damage.
“I urge the government to waive off KCC loans immediately. If this is not done, the horticulture sector will collapse. Farmers and growers are also burdened with CC loans, and the interest on these accounts must be exempted. Additionally, the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) and other support mechanisms must be activated without delay,” she said.
Mufti lamented that the scale of losses this season surpassed even the hardships faced during the peak of militancy. “Such devastation was not witnessed even during the worst years of militancy. It was caused by administrative negligence — the highway remained closed for extended periods, fruit-laden trucks were stranded for weeks, and when the produce finally reached the mandis, prices had crashed,” she said.
She criticised the government for failing to act swiftly, pointing out that the Chief Minister “took 20 days just to contact Union Minister Nitin Gadkari,” a delay that compounded the crisis for thousands of growers. “Tourism is already down. If horticulture collapses too, it will destroy the livelihoods of lakhs of families who depend on this sector,” Mufti warned.
Recalling the policies of former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, she emphasised how his government had prioritised the horticulture sector through timely interventions. “He understood the importance of this industry. There was no toll tax then, mandis were set up, high-density plantations were introduced, and the Market Intervention Scheme was implemented effectively. These steps strengthened the sector and boosted farmers’ income,” she said.
Mehbooba urged the current government to adopt a similar proactive approach. “Growers have taken heavy loans and are now facing acute financial distress. They have been left with nothing. I hope the Chief Minister will personally intervene, waive off KCC loans, and offer them much-needed relief so they can rebuild their lives and sustain this vital sector,” she added.