J&K Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme for Apple Growers Awaiting Centre's Nod: Rs 185 Crore vs Rs 85 Crore Gap

J&K Government has finished formalities for a weather-based crop insurance scheme for apple growers but is waiting for revised guidelines and go-ahead from the Centre, Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmad Dar told the Legislative Assembly on Sept 24. Insurance companies quoted around Rs 185 crore against the Government's Rs 85 crore provision. The process was put on hold after the Centre decided to revise the weather-based crop insurance scheme nationwide. An advisory committee set up by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has sent its report, which is under review.

There is no proposal for a 90% subsidy on anti-hail nets in existing and traditional orchards across J&K. Under Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, a 50% subsidy is given for anti-hail and anti-bird nets, with a maximum eligible area of 10,000 square metres per beneficiary. The Government would take this up with the Centre.

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana covers all 20 districts of J&K. Around 13.985 lakh farmer families are eligible. The scheme covers 6,86,741.37 hectares, benefiting 12,89,917 farmers. 3,72,134 claims involving around Rs 221.71 crore have been registered. A special campaign to clear failed payment transactions is running. Around 60% of affected farmers have been contacted for document verification.

Schemes under Holistic Agriculture Development Programme give subsidies of more than 60% on eligible projects.