Tarigami Slams Non-Implementation of Crop Insurance in Kashmir, Calls for Immediate Compensation Following Hailstorm Damage

Srinagar, May 28, CNS: CPI(M) leader and Kulgam MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami has strongly criticized the failure to implement the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) in Kashmir, despite repeated natural calamities and a central subsidy promise of up to 90% for farmers in Himalayan regions.

Addressing a press conference in Srinagar in the aftermath of recent hailstorms and windstorms that wreaked havoc on fruit orchards across the Valley, Tarigami urged the government to conduct an immediate assessment of PMFBY’s status and release compensation for the affected farmers.

“Agriculture is the backbone of Kashmir’s economy. The apple industry in particular sustains thousands of households. Yet, when disasters strike, our farmers are left alone without institutional support,” Tarigami said.

He noted that although the PMFBY scheme was launched nationwide in 2016–17, its implementation in Kashmir has been extremely limited. “Only one district in the Valley was initially included, while several districts in Jammu were covered. Since then, no significant effort has been made to expand it to all of Kashmir,” he added.

Tarigami lamented that insurance agencies showed early reluctance to operate in Kashmir and that the government failed to ensure follow-through. “Farmers are still uncertain whether apples, cherries, and walnuts are even covered under the scheme. The lack of clarity and communication is staggering,” he remarked.

He also expressed frustration over the damage assessment process, which still relies on the traditional patwari system. “This outdated mechanism results in inaccurate records and often politically or bureaucratically influenced compensation. We need a modern, transparent system for damage evaluation,” he said.

Tarigami appealed to the administration, political parties, civil society, and the media to stand with the farming community. “The government must not let our growers bear these losses silently. Their future is Kashmir’s future. Relief and accountability must come before it’s too late,” he asserted.

He concluded by calling for “proactive governance, not token gestures,” and emphasized the need to rebuild trust with farmers through consistent policy execution and direct support. [KNT]