Demanding the introduction of crop insurance scheme in Jammu and Kashmir, the CPI(M) today asked the state government to provide relief to farmers who suffered heavy loss due to natural calamities.

"We are concerned over the damage to fruits and crops due to recent incessant rains and hailstorm and demand immediate relief to the affected farmers," CPI(M) state secretary M Y Tarigami said in a statement.

They should be provided immediate cash relief and enhanced subsidy on fertilizers, pesticides and other agricultural inputs, he said, noting the crop damage added to the miseries of the state which is already facing "food deficit".

"Crop Insurance Scheme is the only alternative to back up the growers in the event of natural calamities...But due to negligent approach of the government towards agriculture and allied sectors this was not its priority," he said.

Tarigami asked the government to conduct early assessment of damage to fruits and paddy nurseries due to recent hailstorm.