SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives and Elections, Javid Ahmad Dar, on Thursday said the government is actively pursuing the implementation of weather-based crop insurance schemes to protect farmers against losses, while simultaneously focusing on training and awareness programmes to expose cultivators to the latest agricultural technologies and innovations.
Speaking to reporters during a farmers’ training programme organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Advisory Board for Development of Kisans, Dar said farmers are being provided opportunities to learn about modern agricultural technologies and innovations through exposure visits and training initiatives.
“Our objective is to ensure that farmers become aware of the latest technologies and innovations in the agriculture sector. Today, farmers are visiting SKUAST, where scientists will brief them on modern farming techniques, research developments and technological advancements. Such programmes help farmers gain practical knowledge, which they can later implement in their own fields to improve productivity and outcomes,” Dar said.
The Minister said interaction with scientists and experts would enable farmers to better understand modern agricultural practices and adopt innovative techniques suited to local conditions.
Responding to a question regarding crop losses suffered by farmers due to hailstorms and other weather-related disasters, Dar said the government is actively working towards implementing weather-based crop insurance schemes in Jammu and Kashmir.
“As I have said earlier, the weather-based crop insurance scheme is under process. All preparations had been completed, but at the last moment, the Government of India informed us that it is revising the policy framework related to insurance schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and the Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme,” he said.
The Minister said the revised policy framework from the Centre required the Union Territory administration to temporarily pause the process.
“We had to wait because of the revised policy being formulated by the Government of India. However, we have already initiated the process from our side. The tendering process remains to be completed, and a committee has been constituted at the Government of India level to examine the matter. Once that process is completed, the remaining formalities will be taken up immediately,” Dar added.
He expressed optimism that the insurance schemes would be rolled out after the Centre finalises the revised guidelines, providing much-needed protection to farmers against weather-related losses. (JKNS)
