Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, June 8

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Sunday called for the establishment of Kisan Bhawans in Srinagar and Jammu and advocated dedicated air-conditioned railway bogies for transporting apples and other perishable produce, following discussions with a delegation of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU).

The delegation, led by BKU national spokesperson Rakesh Tikait, met Choudhary at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar and submitted a memorandum outlining a series of demands aimed at strengthening the agriculture, horticulture and allied sectors in the Union Territory.

During the meeting, Choudhary reiterated the government’s commitment to sustainable agricultural growth, higher farm incomes and rural development, while assuring the delegation that their concerns would be examined by the relevant departments.

Emphasising the need for stronger institutional support for farmers, the deputy chief minister proposed setting up Kisan Bhawans in both Srinagar and Jammu to provide a platform for farmer engagement and grievance redressal.

Highlighting the importance of horticulture to the region’s economy, he also backed the introduction of dedicated air-conditioned railway coaches for the transport of apples and other perishable commodities to markets across the country.

Choudhary said Jammu and Kashmir had significant potential for organic farming and encouraged growers to adopt pesticide-free cultivation practices to improve the quality and market value of local produce.

The discussions covered issues affecting farmers and horticulturists, including imports of agricultural products, tariff concerns, transportation challenges and market access.

In its memorandum, the BKU sought higher import duties on foreign fruits and agricultural products, particularly apples, to protect local growers from external competition.

The union also demanded subsidies of up to 90 percent for anti-hail nets, expansion of cold storage facilities in major horticultural areas, and dedicated refrigerated railway transport for fresh fruits and other perishables.

Other demands included a comprehensive subsidised fodder policy for dairy and poultry farmers, transparent implementation of government subsidy schemes, establishment of fruit processing and canning units, wider crop insurance coverage and measures to address crop losses caused by increasing human-wildlife conflict.

The BKU delegation included General Secretary Yudhvir Singh, Secretary Dharamvir Singh, Subash Chowdhary and representatives from various districts of Kashmir.