47yearold farmer dies of ‘shock’ after crop damage

Unseasonal rain destroys 21% wheat crop in Iglas tehsil of Aligarh

WHEN HE WENT TO HIS FIELD ON FRIDAY, HE WAS JOLTED BY THE DAMAGE AND DIED ON THE SPOT, SAID HIS WIFE

A farmer of Nagla Nahchala village in Iglas tehsil allegedly died of shock after seeing his wheat crop destroyed by unseasonal rain.

Bijendra, 47, had a six bigha land, where he sowed wheat. But rain and thunderstorm over the past few days damaged his produce. When he went to his field on Friday, he was jolted by the damage and died on the spot, said his wife Sangita Devi.

She said: “He died due to shock because of destroyed crop.” The villagers informed administrative officials about his death but nobody reached the spot till this report was filed.

Ram Surat Upadhyay, SDM (Iglas), said: “Naib tehsildar has been sent to the village to confirm the farmer’s death. Action will be taken after inquiry.”

Unseasonal rains in UP over the past few days have come as a setback for farmers.

According to administration officials, 21% crop has been destroyed in Iglas tehsil while Kol witnessed 8-10% crop damage, Khair 7-8%, Malav village 15%, Tappal and Gabhana 5-7% and Atrauli 5 -7%.

Agriculture experts believe that if rains continue, farmers would not be able to sell their produce. According to surveyors, 15-18% wheat crop has become wet. If the situation does not improve, farmers will not be able to sell wheat at government purchase centre and wholesale market. It may be known that government purchase centres accept wheat with only 10-25% wetness.

JS Rathore, joint director (agriculture), said: “The farmers who have got their crop insured must immediately inform tollfree number-18002700462 for their claims. They can also file written complaint so that surveyors of insurance companies conduct survey.”

District agriculture officer Vinod Kumar said, “Untimely rains have destroyed wheat. If the crop is not dried up, it will rot.”

An advisory has been issued to farmers to immediately cut the wheat crop and shift it to safer places, he added.

Nodal officer of wheat and ADM (finance) Bachchu Singh said, “Rains have destroyed 21% of wheat crop in Iglas. Only 10-12% wet wheat may be purchased at the centres.”