SRINAGAR, June 3: Jammu and Kashmir government has decided to float tenders again for empanelling insurance companies to implement the horticulture crop insurance scheme.
This follows the rejection of two bidders by the Apex Committee. “Agriculture is covered under the Fasal Bhima Yojana. Unfortunately horticulture sector is not attracting insurance companies. We have been trying for the last three years, but there was not a great response,” Javed Dar, Minister of Agriculture, told The Kashmir Monitor.
Two insurers had submitted their bids for the scheme. However, they were rejected because they had quoted rates over and above the norms. “The Apex Committee is headed by the Chief Secretary. The bids were rejected because their rates were over and above the structure. So, we have decided to go for retendering and select new bidders,” said Dar.
Crop insurance has been a longstanding demand of fruit growers as they have been incurring huge losses every year.
“Orchards in different areas of south and north Kashmir have suffered huge losses due to the recent hailstorm. Since the weather-related challenges are beyond control, the absence of the Crop Insurance Scheme has added to our woes. The hailstorms have dashed all hopes of fruit growers and dealers in the Valley. This loss has not only dealt a severe blow to the orchardists but has also repelling effect on others associated with the horticulture industry. Damages to this industry translate into significant economy setback for the region,” said Bashir Ahmad Basheer, Chairman, Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union.
In fact, 90% of horticulturists in Kashmir are marginal growers who do not have financial backing. “These poor and marginal growers have to shoulder the weight of losses in the absence of the crop insurance scheme. We appeal to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to come to the rescue of fruit growers in the time of crisis,” said Bashir
The Agriculture Minister hoped that the government would be able to find the insurers very soon. “I am personally monitoring the process. We are trying hard. It will be our contribution to this industry. Our tendering process has started, and we hope to zero in on the insurers within a couple of months,” Dar said.