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- Welcomes center’s relief measures, calls for swift support to affected farmers
SRINAGAR: People’s Democratic Front (PDF) President and former Minister, Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen, on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the severe economic challenges currently faced by the people of Kashmir Valley. Addressing the widespread devastation in the agricultural sector, Yaseen stated that “after 1957, the Valley has not witnessed such large-scale destruction.”
He said that heavy and unrelenting rainfall, combined with highway closures and floods, has severely damaged crops, submerged paddy fields, and devastated the fruit sector, leaving farmers across all districts struggling to sustain their livelihoods. Reports suggest that nearly 80 percent of the farming sector, including rural areas, has been affected. Hakeem said that the apple orchards, which were yet to be harvested, suffered extensively due to recent rainfall and hailstorms.
Highlighting the urgent need for financial relief, Yaseen expressed gratitude to the Centre for the advance release of the 21st installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme for the Union Territory’s farmers. “Under this scheme, approximately Rs 171 crore will be directly transferred to the bank accounts of around 8.55 lakh eligible farmers in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Hakeem said that this much-needed financial assistance is a positive step that will help farmers sustain their livelihoods, recover from losses, and resume agricultural activities. Yaseen stressed that while such support is essential, it is not sufficient. “Farmers are the backbone of the Valley’s economy, and their welfare directly affects the stability and growth of other sectors. We strongly urge both the UT and Central Governments to ensure 100 percent compensation to families who have suffered extensive losses,” he said.
The PDF President further warned that the situation for farmers is becoming increasingly dire. “The farmers are living in miserable conditions. Apples that remained on trees have been destroyed by the recent hailstorms and rainfall, and many families are struggling to make ends meet. The government must take serious note and ensure timely relief measures, adequate compensation, and restoration of infrastructure to prevent long-term economic setbacks,” he said.
Hakeem Yaseen reaffirmed the PDF's commitment to working closely with the administration, civil society, and farmers’ organizations to ensure immediate support and sustainable solutions. He emphasized that protecting the agriculture and fruit sectors is not only a matter of livelihood but also critical for preserving the economic and social fabric of the Kashmir Valley.
Hakeem appealed to all stakeholders to take swift action and provide the necessary assistance so that farmers can rebuild their lives and the Valley’s agricultural economy can regain stability.
