Apple Crop to Be Covered Under Insurance, Horticulture Director Announces in Kulgam
Kulgam, June 9, KNT: Apple orchards in Kashmir will be brought under insurance coverage, Director of Horticulture Kashmir Vikas Anand said while assessing hailstorm damage in Kulgam, marking a significant step aimed at protecting growers from weather-related losses.
The announcement comes in the wake of a recent hailstorm that caused damage to horticulture crops in several areas, raising concerns among orchardists over the impact on this season’s produce and incomes.
Until now, insurance coverage was largely limited to agricultural crops. The inclusion of apple orchards is expected to provide a safety net to thousands of horticulture growers who have long sought protection against losses caused by natural calamities.
During his visit, Anand reviewed the extent of damage in affected orchards and interacted with field officials overseeing the assessment process.
He said teams from the horticulture department have been deployed across all affected areas to conduct a detailed survey. The exercise is being carried out jointly with the revenue department to ensure a comprehensive assessment of losses.
According to the Director, the findings of the survey will be used to determine relief measures for affected farmers. He said assistance will be provided in accordance with the norms of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).
The Director told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that the government is committed to supporting growers affected by the hailstorm and has directed officials to complete the assessment process on priority.
The hailstorm struck at a crucial stage for horticulture crops, prompting concerns among farmers about potential economic losses. The ongoing assessment is expected to provide a clearer picture of the damage and the scale of assistance required.
The announcement on insurance coverage for apple crops is being viewed as a major development for Kashmir’s horticulture sector, which remains a key contributor to the region’s economy and livelihoods. [KNT]
© Kashmir News Trust (KNT). Unauthorized use without attribution is prohibited.
![PCC Asks DC Pulwama to Shut Down Illegal Brick Kilns, 18 Brick Kilns Face Regulatory Violations, 7 Listed Without Consent Pulwama, Aug 8, KNT: Pollution Control Committee has asked Deputy Commissioner to shut down illegal brick kilns in South Kashmir's Pulwama district. The latest status of brick kilns operating in south Kashmir's Pulwama district has revealed serious regulatory concerns, with 18 units listed either without consent, with expired Consent to Operate (CTO), or under a “Refused” status. The status details show that seven brick kilns are listed as operating “Without consent”, indicating that the units do not have the required regulatory consent to operate. The seven units are Dar Brick Kiln (415) at Alliepora Shahoora, LBK changed into Bhat Brick Kiln (151) at Nownagri Pulwama, Kamran Brick Kiln 777 at Parigam Newa, Budshah Brick Kiln at Audoora Pulwama, JKB Sanzan (151) at Astapora Sanzan, 417 Brick Kiln changed into 7HH at Achan Litter Pulwama, and Five Star Brick Kiln at Wahipora Pulwama. The list further shows eight brick kilns with expired CTOs, meaning their consent to operate has lapsed. These include Hilal Brick Kiln, Allie Brick Kiln, Bashir Ahmad Magray, Sunflower Brick Kiln, Jalal Brick Kiln, Magray Brick Kiln, Thoker Brick Kiln (A-No) and Shahoorа Brick Kiln (ATM). Another three units have been marked “Refused” in the consent status. These are Mir Brick Kiln at Hastikhud Zadoora Newa, Gulmour Brick Kiln at Tumchinowpora and Dar Brick Kiln at Tumchinowpora. The status as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust also contains brick kilns holding valid CTOs, indicating that the regulatory violations are not uniform across the district. The findings assume significance in view of the Jammu & Kashmir Pollution Control Committee's direction to the Deputy Commissioner, Pulwama, to initiate action against brick kilns operating without the requisite permissions and in violation of environmental regulations. The presence of multiple units with expired or refused consent, besides those listed without consent altogether, raises serious questions over their continued operation and the effectiveness of regulatory enforcement in the district. The concerned authorities are now expected to verify the operational status of these units and take action against those found functioning without valid statutory consent. [KNT]](https://newsagencyknt.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Brick-Kiln-390x220.jpg)
