Kashmir apple growers' insurance demand: PDP leaders detained in Shopian protest

Several leaders of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including former legislator Aijaz Ahmad Mir, were detained in South Kashmir's Shopian district on Sunday (August 16, 2026) as they attempted to hold protests demanding a comprehensive crop insurance scheme for apple orchards in the region.

Mr. Mir, who was detained at his residence in Zainapora, has been advocating for the inclusion of apples and cherries under the government's crop insurance programme. Speaking after his release, he said that farmers affected by recent hailstorms and other natural calamities should receive full compensation. He also called for a 100% subsidy on anti-hail nets to protect orchards from future weather-related losses.

"The horticulture sector is the backbone of our economy, and our farmers deserve protection, security, and justice," Mr. Mir said. He added, "Detaining voices will not silence the suffering of thousands of growers who depend on horticulture for their livelihood. We will continue our peaceful and democratic struggle for our demands. I stand firmly with the growers of Shopian and Kashmir. Their issues deserve attention, not detention."

The protest came two days after a hailstorm damaged apple orchards in Shopian and Kulgam districts. According to the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers-cum-Dealers Union, growers were facing distress due to the destruction inflicted on their orchards. Bashir Ahmad Basheer, chairman of the union, said, "For many farmers in south Kashmir, crops constitute their primary source of livelihood."

Horticulture is a key economic driver in south Kashmir, with districts such as Shopian, Kulgam, and Pulwama serving as major apple-exporting hubs. Farmers have long demanded a robust insurance mechanism to mitigate losses from unpredictable weather patterns, which have become more frequent in recent years.

The PDP also appealed to the police to release all detained leaders and workers at the earliest. The party described the detentions as unjustified, arguing that peaceful protests are a democratic right. Neither the police nor the district administration issued an official statement regarding the detentions at the time of reporting.

This incident highlights the ongoing concerns of horticulturists in Kashmir, who often face significant financial risk due to weather-related crop damage. While the government has implemented various schemes for apple growers, many argue that the existing coverage is inadequate. The demand for a comprehensive insurance scheme, which includes both apples and cherries, remains a persistent issue for farmers in the region.

As the situation develops, stakeholders continue to emphasise the need for dialogue between the farming community and authorities to address the challenges faced by one of Kashmir's most vital economic sectors.