The Indian apple growers who suffered huge losses due to last week’s snowfall have made it clear that the government’s proposals to compensate them are so inadequate that these won’t serve any purpose.
The government decision to pay an amount of Rs 4,000-72,000 (€50-900) as compensation to those farmers whose orchards were damaged in last week’s snowfall has evoked strong resentment as they say the amount is insufficient to mitigate the loss.
“My entire orchard is shrouded under snow. I have lost all my 60 trees. They want to satisfy us with a meagre amount like they did last year. I have suffered a loss of over Rs 1 crore. How would this amount help me,” Abdul Rasheed, an apple grower from Shopian told, adding that if the government is serious towards their issues they should pay sufficient amount to the growers.
As per the preliminary reports of the Horticulture Department the farmers have suffered a loss of over Rs 220 mln and growers have lost 35% trees to snow. “These are tentative figures. The actual assessment will come after 10 days,” Director Horticulture, Aijaz Ahmad Bhat said.
Asked if the government would increase amount of compensation, Bhat said: “I have also received the same feedback from the growers and will apprise the government about it. They have to make the final call.”
[ Rs100 = € 1,26 ]
