Crop Loss Sparks Compensation

The recent Assembly session in Jammu and Kashmir brought into sharp focus the pressing issue of agricultural vulnerability in the region. Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development, and Panchayati Raj, Javid Ahmad Dar, presented detailed figures on the government’s ongoing response to the damage caused by natural calamities and highway disruptions, outlining both progress and challenges in relief distribution and post-disaster management. His statement revealed that ₹12.28 lakh has already been disbursed to farmers as compensation for weather-induced losses in September 2025, out of a total estimated compensation amount of ₹152.37 lakh calculated under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).

These figures, while indicative of administrative movement, also underline the enormity of the task that lies ahead. Jammu and Kashmir’s predominantly agrarian economy, heavily dependent on weather patterns and connectivity, continues to be exposed to recurring climatic shocks. The region’s farmers have suffered repeated crop damage due to heavy rainfall, floods, and landslides, with the most recent assessment reporting over 431 hectares of farmland affected and losses exceeding 33 percent in many areas. The minister’s assurance that the government remains committed to supporting the farming community is welcome, but it also highlights the urgent need for a more structured, technology-driven, and time-bound compensation framework that reaches every affected farmer promptly and transparently. Equally significant in Dar’s address was the focus on maintaining continuity in the movement of apple produce, a sector that forms the backbone of Kashmir’s rural economy. Despite prolonged disruptions on National Highway-44 due to landslides and heavy rains, the government facilitated the dispatch of 1,25,376 apple boxes valued at ₹10.03 crore via rail from Budgam and Anantnag to Jammu and Delhi. By October 23, nearly 14,000 metric tonnes, equivalent to nine lakh boxes, had been successfully transported to markets outside the Union Territory through railways. This logistical adaptation not only ensured minimal economic losses for orchardists but also demonstrated the effectiveness of multimodal transport in sustaining perishable exports under crisis conditions. However, the recent highway blockade exposed the fragility of Kashmir’s supply chain network, which relies overwhelmingly on a single arterial route. The minister noted that only 22,000 metric tonnes of apple produce, roughly one percent of the total 22.15 lakh metric tonne output for the 2025 season, remained stranded on NH-44 during the disruption period. While the damage was contained, it serves as a reminder of the importance of building resilient transport infrastructure. Measures such as allowing six-tyre trucks to ply through the Mughal Road and setting up a control room at Qazigund for real-time coordination between the Horticulture Department and transporters were commendable steps that mitigated potential losses. The broader policy vision, as outlined, includes the introduction of the Re-structured Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS), which will provide coverage for apple, saffron, mango, and litchi crops. Once implemented, this insurance mechanism could become a crucial buffer for farmers against weather-induced losses. However, its success will depend on effective awareness campaigns, timely claim settlements, and reliable partnerships with insurance companies. Past experiences in other states have shown that poorly executed insurance schemes often fail to inspire confidence among farmers. Thus, transparency, inclusivity, and accountability must remain the cornerstones of the RWBCIS rollout in Jammu and Kashmir. As the region continues to face the twin challenges of climate variability and infrastructural vulnerability, a comprehensive approach is essential. The government’s focus on sustainable farming, crop diversification, and better coordination between departments can form the foundation of long-term resilience. Additionally, strengthening early warning systems, digitizing land and crop databases, and integrating satellite-based assessment tools can transform how relief and insurance mechanisms function on the ground.

The story of Jammu and Kashmir’s farmers is one of endurance and adaptability. Their livelihoods are intertwined with the rhythm of nature and the reliability of policy. The government’s current efforts both in immediate relief and systemic reforms signal intent, but delivery remains key. For the thousands of small orchardists and cultivators who depend on each harvest for survival, timely compensation, efficient logistics, and assured protection through crop insurance are not merely administrative goals; they are lifelines. In a region where agriculture is both an economic and cultural identity, ensuring agrarian resilience through institutional accountability is not just a policy priority, it is a moral imperative for inclusive growth and enduring stability.