APRIL 21: In response to the recent spell of heavy rains and hailstorms that caused widespread damage to orchards and farmlands across Jammu and Kashmir, Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, has expressed serious concern over the losses incurred by the farming community.
The untimely and intense weather conditions have severely impacted standing crops and horticultural yields, particularly in several regions of North and South Kashmir. Noting the gravity of the situation, the Minister has directed the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments to conduct immediate and comprehensive damage assessments across all affected districts.
To ensure a swift response, Javid Ahmad Dar instructed department heads to dispatch joint field teams, including officials from both departments, to the impacted areas in close coordination with the respective District Administrations. These teams have been tasked with thoroughly evaluating the extent of the crop and orchard damage, and submitting consolidated reports at the earliest. The Minister underlined that this process is essential for initiating timely relief measures for the affected farmers.
Emphasizing the importance of transparency and accuracy, the Minister urged all officials involved in the assessment process to carry out their duties with utmost responsibility and diligence. He stressed that accurate and prompt reporting will ensure that no affected farmer is left out of the relief framework and that assistance is allocated in a fair and efficient manner.
Javid Ahmad Dar reaffirmed that the Omar Abdullah-led government is fully committed to supporting the farming community in this time of distress. He stated that the government will continue to monitor the situation closely and take all necessary steps to provide relief and rehabilitation support to those affected.
The Minister further assured that the Union Territory administration is working tirelessly to assess the losses and will leave no stone unturned in extending appropriate assistance to safeguard the livelihoods of the farmers. He reiterated that the government stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly those whose livelihoods depend heavily on agriculture and horticulture.
This proactive approach reflects the administration’s commitment to resilience-building in the agriculture sector and ensuring the welfare of farmers in the face of climate-related challenges.