Farm bodies, oppn in Hry seek higher compensation

ROHTAK/HISAR/KARNAL:FARM bodies and the opposition on Friday demanded higher compensation from the government for the farmers who suffered major losses in mustard, wheat and barley crops following untimely rain and hailstorm for the past three days in many parts of the state.

Ellenabad legislator Abhay Singh Chautala of the INLD said the farmers had suffered huge losses at a time when their crop was ready for maturity.

“Farmers should be given Rs 30,000 per acre compensation. We are getting reports that 80% to 90% crops were damaged in several pockets of the state,” he added.

Farmers were in distress after rainfall accompanied by hailstorm and wind continued in Bhiwani, Rohtak , Hisar, Sirsa, Fatehabad and Mahendergarh district on the third consecutive day.

Dayanand Punia, Akhi Bharatiya Kisan Sabha leader, said that they were unhappy over agriculture minister JP Dalal’s announcement of providing Rs 12,000 per acre relief to farmers, who had not enrolled their crop under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).

Making a direct attack on agriculture minister JP Dalal, Tosham MLA Kiran Chaudhary said that the minister has been trying to eyewash farmers by announcing a meager compensation of Rs 12,000 per acre for farmer’s damaged crop which is less than their input cost.

Refuting opposition allegations, Dalal said that he has been touring the affected areas for the past three days. “As per government rule, Rs 12,000 per acre will be given to those affected farmers , who had not enrolled their crop under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.