Chandigarh, April 7 Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian said on Tuesday that an estimated 1.25 lakh acres of crops have been affected by recent rainfall and hailstorms, and that affected farmers will receive compensation.
He said that Fazilka reported crop damage on over 45,000 acres, followed by 43,000 acres in Muktsar, 20,000 acres in Bathinda, and 3,000 acres in Sangrur, due to the adverse weather.
Speaking to reporters in Muktsar, the agriculture minister said that there was significant crop damage due to the weather conditions, adding that the wheat crop was ready for harvest.
He further expressed concerns about the forecast of more rainfall in the state.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann ordered a crop damage assessment on Monday to assess the damage caused by the inclement weather, asserting that affected farmers will be compensated.
"We have ordered 'girdawari', and after conducting it, anyone who has suffered crop damage will be compensated," Mann had said.
On Sunday, farmers had demanded compensation for crop damage due to rain and hailstorms in various parts of the state.
Farmers have reported extensive crop damage at various locations, including Amritsar, Bathinda, Muktsar, Fazilka, and Tarn Taran, due to rainfall and hailstorms.
Leaders of opposition parties have also been demanding compensation for the loss of crops, including wheat, maize, and vegetables.
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa wrote to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, urging him to send a special team to Punjab to assess the damage caused to the standing wheat crop by hailstorms in the state and release a special compensation package to affected farmers.
Punjab Congress President Amrinder Singh Raja Warring also sought urgent attention from Chouhan for assistance to affected farmers.