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GANDERBAL: Chairman of JKPCC Kissan Congress, Bharat Priye, today continued his outreach programme in Ganderbal district, with a strong focus on addressing pressing issues faced by the farming community. The initiative aims to strengthen direct engagement with farmers and bring their concerns to the forefront.
The programme was attended by senior party leaders and local representatives, including Sheikh Aijaz Ahmad, District President JKPCC; Ab Ahad Mir, District President Kissan Congress Ganderbal; Khurshid Ahmad Ganie, District General Secretary; Asadullah, Ab Salam Ganie, Ajaz Alam, Youth District President Ganderbal; Ajaz Ahmed, Ab Hameed Ganie, Mehraj-ud-Din, and Gulam Qadir Lone, Block President Kangan.
During interactions, farmers raised several critical concerns affecting agriculture in the district. A major issue highlighted was recurring crop losses due to unpredictable weather conditions, including unseasonal rains and hailstorms, which have significantly impacted yields and incomes. Farmers expressed dissatisfaction over delays in compensation and demanded a more responsive and transparent relief mechanism.
Another key concern was the lack of adequate irrigation facilities, particularly in upper belts of Ganderbal, where farmers depend heavily on erratic rainfall. They stressed the need for expansion and maintenance of irrigation canals, as well as the introduction of modern water management systems to ensure consistent agricultural productivity.
Farmers also pointed to limited market access and poor pricing mechanisms, stating that middlemen often exploit them, leaving little profit for producers. They called for the establishment of regulated markets, cold storage facilities, and better transport infrastructure to help them secure fair prices for their produce, especially for perishable goods like vegetables and fruits.
Issues related to the rising cost of inputs, including seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, were also discussed. Farmers urged the government to provide subsidies and ensure the availability of quality inputs at reasonable rates. Additionally, there were demands for crop insurance coverage to safeguard against losses caused by natural calamities.
Addressing the gathering, Bharat Priye assured farmers that their concerns would be strongly taken up at appropriate forums. He emphasized the need for policy interventions focused on strengthening rural infrastructure, ensuring timely financial support, and protecting farmers’ livelihoods. He also stressed that sustained grassroots engagement is essential to formulate practical and farmer-centric solutions.
Other leaders present echoed similar concerns and highlighted the need for capacity-building programmes, awareness about government schemes, and improved extension services to empower farmers. They appreciated the outreach initiative, stating that it provides a vital platform for farmers to voice their grievances directly.The outreach programme is part of a broader campaign by JKPCC Kissan Congress to deepen its connect with rural communities and advocate for policies that address the real challenges faced by farmers in districts like Ganderbal.
