Rolling hills, glittering lakes and powerful gusts of wind come to mind when one thinks of Kashmir, a region in India. Its natural beauty is the region’s crowning feature and greatest strength. Yet this beauty comes at a price. The same mountains that captivate the mind also dictate the region’s economy. Each year, when heavy snow sets in, the weather turns unpredictable or rainfall and temperature swing wildly, Kashmir’s charm remains undiminished; sometimes even enhanced.

However, the impact on livelihoods is severe. Crop yields, especially prized produce like apples, walnuts and saffron, along with tourism and traditional industries such as pashmina wool, kani shawls, wood carving and copperware, all suffer under the weight of nature’s whims.

The frigid winter affects Kashmir both through increased mortality and direct exposure to harsh climatic conditions, as well as through the toll on the region’s predominant trades. In response, the Indian government has introduced several schemes and measures to ease the hardships for Kashmir’s farmers, these wuthering winters bring. Highlighted below are some initiatives that have shown considerable results.

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

The Indian government introduced this scheme to address fears of declining paddy cultivation and provide holistic crop risk coverage. It offers protection to farmers through an automated system that activates when they apply for Kisan Credit Card loans. In the event of natural calamities, the scheme functions as an insurance mechanism, compensating farmers who lose crops to hailstorms, floods and other disasters.

Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP)

The Government of Jammu and Kashmir launched the HADP as a flagship initiative. It supports farmers’ shift from traditional apple orchards to high-density horticulture, which promises greater security and higher yields in harsh climatic conditions.

Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)

Under this scheme, the Agriculture Department of Kashmir provides greenhouses with a 50% subsidy. This has proven to be a considerable boon, giving farmers the opportunity to sow and harvest crops in a controlled environment. It also ensures a steady supply of produce and a safety net for the people of Kashmir.

Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM)

Similar to the MIDH, this scheme provides artisans and farmers with subsidies galore on machinery and equipment. This empowers the agriculturalists by reducing the labouriousness of traditional farming, thus making any possible losses less futile compared to the yield of crops like apples, saffron and more.

Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS)

This insurance scheme is tailored to safeguard agricultural yields affected by adverse weather. It serves as a layer of security for the financial interests of farmers and other workers, such as artisans, tradespeople, artisans, boatmen and animal herders.

Final Remarks

Though the forces of weather remain beyond human control, the schemes outlined above make it easier for communities to withstand and adapt to their impact. They stand as a testament to the resilience of Kashmir’s farmers and ability to innovate in the face of adversity.

– Ruhani Rahul

Ruhani is based in Leander, TX, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr