Jammu and Kashmir does not have a crop insurance scheme for crops such as apples, litchi and saffron. Why has the government failed to introduce one?

 We initially attempted to roll out the Restructured Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme and invited bids from insurance companies. However, only one company responded, as the challenging weather conditions in Jammu and Kashmir discouraged wider participation. Subsequently, more companies joined the bidding process and the L1 bidder was identified. However, we later received a communication from the Central government regarding revisions to the insurance policy framework, prompting us to put the process on hold. We have already made budgetary provisions for the scheme and are hopeful it will be introduced in the coming months.

Farmers often complain that there is no Market Intervention Scheme (MIS). Why has the government not implemented such a scheme?

The proposed scheme is primarily aimed at procuring C-grade apples to protect growers from distress sales during periods of price collapse. Recently, a team from NITI Aayog visited the region and we apprised them of the need for an MIS. The team collected data from various allied departments, and we believe the Central government is considering rolling out an MIS for the Himalayan region. 

High-density apple cultivation was projected as a game changer for Kashmir’s horticulture sector. Has it achieved the desired results?

High-density apple cultivation has transformed horticulture in many parts of south Kashmir. Under programmes such as the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme HADP, a large number of growers have shifted to high-density and exotic apple varieties. The results have been encouraging in terms of productivity and returns. We are now encouraging farmers in north Kashmir to adopt the model as well.

Farmers have reported the emergence of new pests, such as Leaf Miner, associated with imported planting material. What steps is the government taking to contain them?

 Importers and suppliers are required to quarantine planting material before distributing it among farmers. We have constituted a committee to ensure that quarantine protocols are being followed properly. In addition, we are working to establish a Clean Plant Centre that will supply disease-free planting material to growers. We have already taken up the matter with the Central government.

Weather patterns have become increasingly unpredictable. How is climate change affecting agriculture in the region?

Climate change is a reality. We are already facing a water crisis as groundwater levels continue to decline, while unusual weather events are becoming more frequent. Recognising these challenges, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research ICAR and the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology SKUAST are working on developing and introducing climate-resilient crop varieties that can better withstand drought, erratic rainfall, temperature fluctuations and other climate-related stresses. These efforts are aimed at helping farmers adapt to changing conditions while sustaining productivity.

Official data show that the Valley has lost around 34,000 hectares of cultivable farmland between 1996 and 2023. Is the region becoming increasingly dependent on imported rice?

There are laws in place to prevent the conversion of agricultural land for non-farm purposes. However, it is also true that cultivable land is shrinking. To address this challenge, we are focusing on developing and promoting high-yielding crop varieties so that productivity can be enhanced even on a reduced land base.

Coming to Kashmir’s heritage saffron crop, farmers claim that yields declined sharply last season, while the area under cultivation has fallen from 5,707 hectares to 3,715 hectares. What is the government’s roadmap for reviving the sector?

The government launched the National Saffron Mission in 2010-11 with an outlay of ₹400 crore to revive saffron cultivation and improve productivity. While the mission led to significant interventions, sustained attention to the sector remains necessary. Many growers are facing rising cultivation costs and labour shortages, making saffron farming increasingly challenging. At the same time, several initiatives have been undertaken to strengthen the sector. A Saffron Spice Park has been established at a cost of around ₹37 crore, Kashmiri saffron has received Geographical Indication GI status, and large tracts of saffron land have been rejuvenated. We remain committed to supporting saffron cultivation and ensuring its long-term sustainability.