Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha virtually inaugurated an apple festival in Srinagar today, which was organized for the first time.
Speaking on the occasion, Sinha told farmers that the UT administration will provide complete financial help for losses caused by harsh weather in J&K.
Sinha stated that it was the J&K government's responsibility to preserve the land of farmers in the UT and that the legislative provision in this respect was in their best interests.
Tomar stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is working tirelessly to expand agriculture and associated sectors, increase farmer income, and strengthen India's reputation and credibility on a worldwide scale.
Tomar praised the J&K government's efforts, saying that good and timely work was being done for the development of agriculture in the UT using funds granted by the Centre under various schemes.
"Apple and Kashmir are inextricably linked. It is the major crop, and this important event will give apple producers and other stakeholders a stronger platform," he noted.
With an annual production of more than 2.2 million tonnes, the apple from J&K contributes for 87 percent of national production and provides a living for almost 30 percent of the population.
"The government would offer all feasible help to farmers who have sustained losses as a result of the recent untimely snowfall," Sinha said after launching the Apple Festival in Srinagar.
He stated that a committee has been formed in this respect, and that they have been requested to calculate the actual amount of damages.
Farmers in Shopian, Pulwama, and Kulgam experienced losses as a result of huge crop and tree destruction last week, forcing them to demand compensation. The Valley Apple Growers Association requested that the concerns be resolved as soon as possible.
Sinha stated that agriculture and allied sectors, particularly horticulture, contribute significantly to the growth of Jammu and Kashmir.
Sinha also stated that apple production will grow by 10% over the next three years.
