Farmers in Jind report widespread crop damage across 50,000 acres due to unforeseen downpour

JIND: After the recent sudden rainfall reported in Jind district, it caused a major loss to wheat and mustard crops.
As many as 541 farmers who have ensured their crops have approached the agriculture department within 72 hours claiming a loss in 50,000 acres in Jind district, said officials. Moreover, teams of officials including revenue, agriculture and district administration have been formed to assess the loss of crops as per sample survey in villages for farmers who are not covered under the insurance policy.
Farmer unionists stated that the heavy rain, strong winds and hailstorm on Friday have caused significant damage to farmers. Therefore, farmers demand that the government should provide compensation of Rs 40,000 per acre.
Ramraji Dhull, spokesman of BKU mentioned that a memorandum will be submitted to the deputy commissioner (DC) and agriculture department officials, demanding fair compensation for the crop damage. He added that until two days ago, farmers were hopeful for a good yield, but the hailstorm on Friday night shattered their expectations. The Uchana region has suffered the most damage due to the hailstorm. The BKU executive committee visited several villages, including Ghogharia, Baroda, Kuchrana Khurd, and Kuchrana Kalan, where they interacted with the affected farmers who faced a major loss, he said.
Dhull said that the hailstorm has severely damaged wheat and mustard crops, with an estimated loss of over 50% in production. Hence, the state government should provide relief to farmers by granting compensation of at least Rs 40,000 per acre for the crop loss, he added.
Girish Nagpal, deputy director in agriculture deputed in Jind district told the TOI that loss is being assessed by the agriculture department and district administration’s teams. Farmers have suffered a loss in mustard and wheat crops in the region due to rainfall and action would be taken accordingly, he said.