SRINAGAR: The Union Government has said that Jammu and Kashmir has been receiving financial support for horticulture losses through the State Disaster Response Fund and the National Disaster Response Fund, while also benefiting from a dedicated horticulture revival package under the Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP).
Responding to a starred question in the Lok Sabha, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the Centre does not provide compensation for damaged horticulture crops, but relief is given as input subsidy when crop losses exceed 33 per cent. This applies to agriculture, annual plantation and horticulture crops alike.
Under the SDRF norms revised in July 2023, farmers in Jammu and Kashmir are eligible for Rs 8500 per hectare in rainfed areas, Rs 17000 per hectare in assured irrigation areas, and Rs 22500 per hectare for perennial crops and trees, with relief restricted to two hectares per farmer. These amounts are treated as relief and not compensation.
Jammu and Kashmir has also been part of the national crop insurance schemes—Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and the Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme—which support insured farmers against yield and weather-related losses from pre-sowing to post-harvest stages. The Union Government shared that State-wise data on enrolment and claims for the last five years has been compiled, including for Jammu and Kashmir.
A substantial portion of the reply focused on the PMDP horticulture package that was sanctioned after the 2014 floods. The package of Rs 500 crore was meant for the restoration of damaged orchards and long-term horticulture development. Jammu and Kashmir received Rs 460.33 crore, while Ladakh received Rs 39.67 crore.
Between 2016-17 and 2021-22, Jammu and Kashmir reported a total expenditure of Rs 35752.16 lakh under PMDP, drawn from both central and UT shares. The Government extended the package three times, first up to March 2022, and then for one additional year up to March 2023.
The Agriculture Ministry reiterated that the national horticulture mission, MIDH, does not include a compensation component for damaged crops, but earlier, special packages were provided to Jammu and Kashmir under its cost norms following natural calamities.
The Minister said that relief for horticulture losses continues to be routed through SDRF and NDRF, with additional support considered only when the UT reports a calamity of ‘severe nature’. -(KL)
