Modi Govt Looks To Support J&K's Saffron, Peach & Walnut Farmers With Nabard Push

After procuring apples from local producers, the Narendra Modi government is now planning to support farmers growing saffron, peaches, and walnuts in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking at the World Congress on Rural and Agricultural Finance in the national capital Tuesday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the government has directed the Centre-owned National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) to look at ways to provide support to these agri-produce farmers.

The FM said she will visit J-K with Nabard Chairman Harsh Kumar Bhanwala to identify ways in which the central government can extend support to the newly-formed union territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh via the financial agency. Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Bhanwala said Nabard will look at creating farmer produce organizations if required, and may even provide grants for setting them up. Nabard will hold discussions with farmers to understand the problems faced by them and set up such organizations, or Kisan clubs. These two steps can be taken immediately, Bhanwala said.