Kashmir’s horticulture sector, worth nearly Rs 10,000 crore annually, continues to stand exposed to the vagaries of nature without any formal insurance cover. The recent hail storms that swept across north, central and south Kashmir have once again underscored the vulnerability of orchard owners whose livelihoods depend entirely on fruit crops. For marginal growers, who form the overwhelming majority, the destruction of orchards is not just an agricultural setback but a direct blow to household survival. Each calamity leaves them grappling with irreparable losses, while promises of crop insurance remain unfulfilled.
The absence of a structured insurance mechanism is striking given the sector’s contribution to the regional economy. Apple cultivation sustains lakhs of families, directly and indirectly, through production, transportation, packaging, cold storage, grading, marketing and export. Yet, despite repeated announcements, no comprehensive scheme has been operationalized. This gap between policy intent and execution has eroded confidence among growers, who feel abandoned each time hailstorms, gusty winds or untimely rains devastate their orchards. The demand for crop insurance is not new; it has been voiced consistently, but remains unanswered.
What is needed now is a credible action plan that moves beyond rhetoric. Crop insurance must be implemented with urgency, designed to cover the specific risks faced by fruit growers in Kashmir’s unique climatic conditions. Alongside insurance, the reintroduction of the Market Intervention Scheme could provide a buffer during market disruptions, ensuring growers are not left vulnerable to fluctuating demand and prices. These measures, if executed transparently, would not only safeguard livelihoods but also stabilize a sector that is central to the region’s economic health.
Stakeholders across the horticulture chain; growers, dealers, transporters, packagers, cold storage operators and exporters; would benefit from such protection. The government’s role is crucial in coordinating with agricultural universities, horticulture departments and marketing agencies to assess damages swiftly and design compensation packages that are both reasonable and timely. Confidence-building measures, such as regular consultations with growers’ associations and clear communication of policy timelines, could bridge the trust deficit that has widened over years of unmet assurances.
The devastation in productive belts such as Tangmarg, Pattan, Kreeri, Rafiabad, Baramulla, Bandipora, Kangan, Shopian and Kulgam has erased hopes of a fruitful season. For growers, the damage is deeply personal, undermining years of labor and investment. Addressing this crisis requires recognition that horticulture is not merely a sector but a lifeline for Kashmir’s economy. A comprehensive insurance mechanism, coupled with market support and scientific loss assessment, would demonstrate that the concerns of growers are being heard and acted upon. Without such measures, every storm will continue to expose the fragility of an economy that deserves protection equal to its contribution.
The way forward lies in translating promises into policy, and policy into practice. Crop insurance must be implemented without delay, market support mechanisms revived, and compensation packages announced in a manner that is fair and inclusive. These steps would not only mitigate immediate losses but also build resilience against future shocks. For a sector that sustains lakhs of families and contributes significantly to the region’s economy, protection is not a privilege but a necessity. The time has come for decisive action that secures the livelihoods of growers and strengthens the backbone of Kashmir’s economy.