Srinagar (PTI): Advocating the introduction of crop insurance in Jammu and Kashmir, state Agriculture Minister Abdul Aziz Zargar on Thursday said the government was considering to provide relief to farmers whose crops suffered damage in the recent hailstorm and rains.

"Government is considering to provide immediate relief to farmers whose crops, fruits, vegetables and other produce suffered damage as a result of recent hailstorm and unprecedented rains," Zargar said addressing a meeting convened to review the damage caused due to recent hailstorm.

He said farmers whose crops have been damaged up to 90 per cent would be provided immediate relief.

Zargar recommended the introduction of a crop insurance scheme in the state.

Referring to poor performance of the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture Science and Technology, Zargar said scientists of SKUAST must come up with methods to increase production.

Horticulture Minister Mohammad Dilawar Mir, who also attended the meeting, asked officers of agriculture and horticulture department to conduct a joint survey with the officers of revenue department in the affected villages and submit a report within seven days to the government.

Officials of agriculture and horticulture department said during current month 12,500 metric tonnes of urea and DAP had been received and dispatched to different cooperative marketing societies (cms) and other agencies for distribution.

Mir said a committee has been formed to monitor the receipt and dispatch of fertilisers besides checking the sale of substandard supplies.