JAMMU, Nov 3: The farmers in the border areas of Arnia in Jammu and Kashmir are grappling with a severe labor shortage for the Basmati rice harvest due to recent cross-border firing and shelling. The majority of non-local laborers, who typically come from other parts of India for the harvest, have left the area in the wake of the ceasefire violation.
As the farmers voiced their concerns about potential delays in harvesting, the local administration took action by dispatching mechanical harvesters to the area to expedite the crop cutting process.
The cross-border shelling initiated by Pakistan Rangers, the first major ceasefire violation since 2021, began around 8 pm last Thursday in the Arnia area of the RS Pura sector and persisted for approximately seven hours. This incident resulted in injuries to two BSF jawans and a woman.
Ram Singh, a local farmer, expressed the difficulties they are facing, stating, “We are facing difficulty in harvesting Basmati crop due to a shortage of laborers. Most of the laborers who come from outside Jammu and Kashmir have fled the area following cross-border shelling and firing last week.”
Moreover, the crops had already been affected by rains in the second week of October, compounding the challenges for the farmers.
In response to the crisis, scores of families have taken it upon themselves to engage in the harvesting process in the fields within various hamlets along the International Border (IB) in Arnia.
Balbir Kour, the Treva Sarpanch, reported that “We have been provided harvesters by the administration for their use by farmers of border areas.” She further explained that farmers can register with the agriculture department to access the harvesting machines, providing a lifeline to the struggling agricultural community in these border regions.
