PDP will ensure crop insurance, subsidies for hail nets to protect apple farms: Waheed Parra

SRINAGAR: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Youth President and assembly candidate for Pulwama Constituency, Waheed Ur Rehman Parra on Tuesday expressed deep concern for the orchardists and farmers in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district and other affected areas who have suffered significant losses due to recent heavy rains followed by a devastating hailstorm.

In a statement issued here, Parra said the sudden and heavy hailstorm that swept through dozens of villages across Pulwama and other districts had left a trail of devastation, severely damaging orchards and various other standing crops. This is a severe blow to the livelihoods of thousands of families who rely on farming as their primary source of income, he said.

He urged the government to provide immediate relief to the affected farmers, including compensation for their losses, swift disbursement of financial aid and assistance in repairing damaged orchards and fields. He called for the immediate implementation of crop insurance schemes and subsidies for hail nets to prevent such losses in the future.

The PDP leader said the government must ensure farmers are equipped with the necessary tools and support to protect their crops from unpredictable weather patterns.

He asserted that the PDP is committed to standing with farmers during these challenging times. “We will continue to advocate for policies that secure their livelihoods and ensure that their hard work does not go in vain. Our priority is to provide relief, resilience, and resources to the backbone of our economy – our farming community,” he said.

Parra added that he will prioritise the implementation of comprehensive crop insurance and subsidies for hail nets to safeguard their livelihoods. “The apple industry is a vital source of income for thousands of families in Jammu and Kashmir, and protecting this sector is essential for the region’s economic stability and the well-being of its people,” he said. “The introduction of crop insurance and subsidized hail nets will provide a much-needed safety net, ensuring that farmers do not suffer devastating losses and can sustain their income and livelihoods.”

Waheed said the PDP remains committed to standing with farmers and addressing their concerns with effective and long-term solutions. “We will continue to work towards policies that empower our farming community, secure their futures, and strengthen the agricultural backbone of Jammu & Kashmir,” he said. (RK)