“Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme on Priority, Policy Under Revision Will be Implemented Soon”
Tauseef Ahmad
Bandipora, June 08: Jammu and Kashmir Agriculture and Horticulture Minister Javid Ahmad Dar on Monday said he had no knowledge of any pressure being exerted regarding a proposed INDIA bloc meeting, asserting that the government’s focus remains on governance and public welfare.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a Muharram arrangements meeting in Sumbal, Dar said the government is prioritising the introduction of a weather-based crop insurance scheme for farmers in Jammu and Kashmir.
He said the crop insurance policy is being revised and a committee has been constituted to review the framework. The revised policy, he said, will be implemented soon to provide better protection to farmers against weather-related losses.
Replying to a question on Urban Local Bodies (ULB) elections, the minister said the government is reviewing preparations and that the polls will be announced once the process is completed. He expressed confidence that elections would be held soon after the necessary formalities are finalised.
He further said the administration remains committed to protecting agricultural land while addressing genuine housing requirements. He said Deputy Commissioners have been authorised to grant permissions in accordance with the rules in cases where landowners seek to construct houses on agricultural land.
The minister also said the government is working to strengthen irrigation infrastructure and will undertake reconstruction of irrigation canals wherever required to improve water availability for farmers across the Union Territory.
