Punjab Calls for Central Intervention After Hailstorms Wreak Havoc on Rabi Crops
In a pressing appeal to the Union government, Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian has requested the immediate dispatch of a high-level central team to evaluate the extensive damage inflicted upon wheat and other rabi crops by recent severe weather conditions. The state has been grappling with heavy rainfall and hailstorms, which have severely impacted agricultural output during the current season.
Severe Impact on Wheat and Other Crops
In a formal letter addressed to Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Khudian detailed the devastating effects of the inclement weather. He noted that wheat was sown across an impressive 35 lakh hectares this season, with expectations of a bumper yield. However, the relentless rainfall and hailstorms have caused significant harm, threatening this anticipated harvest.
"Preliminary assessments by the state agriculture department indicate that crop loss has already been reported on more than 1.3 lakh acres," Khudian stated. "The situation is deteriorating as rain persists, and the final damage figures are likely to increase further."
Widespread Damage Across Multiple Districts
The minister emphasized that the destruction is not confined to wheat alone. Vegetables, fodder, and various other rabi crops have also suffered substantial losses across several key districts. The affected areas include:
- Fazilka
- Ferozepur
- Muktsar Sahib
- Bathinda
- Amritsar
- Moga
- Mansa
In response to this crisis, the Punjab government has already initiated a special girdawari (crop damage assessment) to thoroughly document the extent of the losses.
Urgent Plea for Relief and Compensation
Highlighting the financial strain on farmers due to the scale of the losses, Khudian has sought immediate relief and compensation from the Centre. He stressed that a central team is urgently required to conduct a detailed on-ground assessment, which is crucial for determining appropriate aid measures.
"The state government remains fully committed to supporting our farmers during this challenging time," Khudian assured. "We will extend all necessary cooperation and support to the central team to facilitate a comprehensive evaluation."
Large-Scale Assessment Efforts Underway
To expedite the damage assessment process, over 500 officials from the agriculture department have been deployed across the affected regions in the seven districts. This team includes 145 Group A agriculture officers who are specifically tasked with monitoring operations in the impacted areas.
These officials have been directed to work in close coordination with the revenue department to ensure the smooth and efficient execution of the special girdawari. This collaborative effort aims to provide an accurate and timely report on the crop losses, which will be essential for securing central assistance and planning recovery measures.
The situation underscores the vulnerability of agricultural sectors to extreme weather events and the critical need for prompt governmental intervention to mitigate farmer distress.
