Apple growers across South Kashmir have suffered massive losses this year due to unfavorable weather conditions and poor market returns, leaving thousands of orchardists in deep distress.
Local farmers from various parts of Kulgam, including Nillow, expressed grave concern over their deteriorating financial condition. “We have suffered huge losses this season and are unable to pay the bills for pesticides and other materials used in our orchards,” said a local resident from Nillow. “Apple farming is our backbone — our only source of livelihood,” he added.
Another grower lamented that the losses have disrupted their family lives as well. “We are not in a position to get our children married and are even unable to pay school fees due to the financial crisis caused by these losses,” he said.
The growers have appealed to both the Central Government and the elected Government of Jammu & Kashmir to intervene urgently. They urged the authorities to implement a comprehensive crop insurance scheme, waive off Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans, provide adequate compensation, and establish cold storage facilities in the region to prevent such crises in the future.
Farmers warned that without immediate government support, the region’s apple economy — which sustains thousands of families — faces an uncertain and bleak future.
