Flower growers await relief

Sumit Hakhoo

Tribune News Service

Jammu, May 28

The government has failed to release Rs 3,000 emergency cash relief (Rs 1,000 per month for three months from April to June) to flower growers in Jammu who suffered huge losses due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Officials said although the Finance Department had approved the package but funds had not been transferred to the Director, Floriculture, for distribution.

Although meagre, the government has announced in first week of May to release Rs 3,000 to every registered cultivator as part of Covid-19 relief. The package was to be released through the direct bank transfer (DBT) mode in three instalments for a three-month period to each registered farmer.

The relief package was announced for only those cultivators who are totally dependent on floriculture and are facing financial hardships as there is no demand for different varieties of flowers.

“It is unfortunate that even during the pandemic, the government is delaying the release of funds. Majority of the growers are facing huge problems. Even Rs 1,000 at the moment could help them financially. Relief distribution should not be delayed,” said Tejinder Singh Wazir, president, Kissan Council.

It is estimated that there are 700 registered farmers in Jammu and Kashmir, while a total of 3,000 people are engaged in growing flowers.

When contacted, Director, Floriculture, Kishore Singh said, “When the funds will be available we will distribute them. It will take a few more days”. He said the department had approached government to announce a comprehensive relief package for the sector.

According to cultivators, flower growers used to earn Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 per day, but due to fall in demand as the coronavirus pandemic led to shutdown of religious places, restaurants, hotels and no social events are organised, it has become difficult for them to run homes.