After rain, 2,800 farmers demand compensation

Tribune News Service

Ambala, October 12

Nearly 2,800 farmers in the district have sought compensation under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, claiming losses due to the recent rain. About 3,400 farmers had filed claims after three days of rain in September, of which survey for about 2,400 was completed.

Untimely rain, accompanied by strong winds and hailstorm, flattened the standing paddy crop at several places on Thursday. Paddy farmers had already suffered a loss of between five and seven quintals per acre this year and fresh rain had further decreased production.

Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda, who visited the affected areas, alleged that the government had been working under pressure from insurance companies.

He said farmers must be given a compensation of between Rs 20,000 and Rs 30,000 per acre at the earliest after carrying out a special survey. He said the conditions of not paying compensation to defaulting farmers, reporting of loss within 48 hours and a minimum of 80 per cent loss must be scrapped.

He said cotton growers in Sirsa who had suffered losses two years ago were still waiting for compensation. He said the Congress would launch an agitation if the government failed to compensate farmers.

Leader of Opposition and INLD MLA Abhay Singh Chautala alleged that farmers were being duped during the ongoing paddy procurement season.

He said farmers were being denied the minimum support price in mandis on the pretext of high moisture content in their produce.

He said farmers were being paid at least Rs 200 less per quintal. He said if farmers were not given compensation, they would launch an agitation against the government.

Bhartiya Kisan Union (Charuni) spokesman Rajiv Sharma demanded a compensation of Rs 40,000 per acre for the losses. “The government should complete the survey within five days. All farmers must be compensated whether or not their crop is insured,” he said. “If the survey is not completed within five days, we will boycott all ministers and MLAs. They will not be allowed to come to any village,” he said.

On the directions of Deputy Commissioner Sharandeep Kaur, officials of the administrative, revenue and agricultural departments visited the affected fields to assess losses.