The LG- led administration said that it has extended Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)/ crop insurance scheme to the farmers of all 20 districts of Jammu Kashmir.
Speaking at the launching event of the extension of PMFBY at SKUAST Jammu, Lt Governor said that the scheme would provide comprehensive coverage against crop losses arising out of natural calamities and unseasonal rains.
Launched in the year 2016, PMFBY aims at supporting sustainable production in agriculture and was earlier available to only four districts of the UT.
“The initiative will stabilize the income of farmers; encourage them to adopt innovative practices with sufficient insurance protection from climatic catastrophe. I urge all the farmers to avail the benefits of PM Fasal Bima Yojna,” Lt Governor said.
Lt Governor said that the implementation of PMFBY across J&K would have a positive impact on the agricultural scenario in J&K and also complement the efforts of the J&K administration in creating a progressive environment.
Proper dissemination of relevant information and transparency in the implementation of PMFBY would be ensured. Crop insurance mobile app and toll free number of the insurance company would facilitate the farmers to report about the losses, he added.
He also highlighted the agriculture reforms introduced in J&K in the past 30 months.
“The welfare of the farmers is our top-most priority. The J&K administration has taken major decisions in the agriculture, horticulture and allied sectors to shape the vision of inclusive development,” he said.
I am confident that agriculture and allied sectors will guide the prosperous future of J&K. The groundbreaking 29 projects worth Rs 5013 crore for the holistic development of agriculture and allied sectors will provide an integrated solution to all issues related to agriculture and allied sectors with a mechanism to reduce wastage and increase production, Lt Governor added.
The LG said that with meticulous implementation of the Holistic Agriculture Development Plan, J&K could achieve 12 percent growth in the agriculture sector.
Reiterating that administration is commitment to safeguard the interests of the people he said, “Citizen participation is crucial to foster economic growth, strengthening of infrastructure and services to achieve the goal of a prosperous society,” the LG said. “Progressive farmers also shared their views on interventions of the government aiming at growth of agriculture and allied sectors in J&K.”
On the occasion, the Agriculture Production Department signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Seeds Corporation to provide good quality certified seeds to the farmers of J&K.
The occasion also witnessed the release of the Milestone Report and Logo of Holistic Agriculture Development Plan and a Coffee Table Book ‘Vihan’ on 29 projects under HADP by the LG.
The irrigation schedule 2023-24 for both Kashmir and Jammu divisions was released while sanction letters were also handed over to beneficiary entrepreneurs under the National Livestock Mission.
A dedicated YouTube channel of the Agriculture Production Department for awareness of farmers and promoting their success stories was also launched.
The crop insurance scheme covers only three crops – maize, rice and oil seed. The scheme does not cover any other crops as of now.