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 of land, followed by 43,000 acres in Muktsar and 20,000 acres in Bathinda due to the bad weather.
Speaking to reporters in Muktsar, Khudian said that the crops were severely damaged due to the adverse weather conditions, adding that the wheat crop was ready for harvesting.
He said that preliminary reports indicate that crops, especially wheat, across more than 1.25 lakh acres have been affected by the recent rainfall and hailstorms.
"The Punjab government stands with our farmers in this difficult time," said Khudian.
The minister said that over 500 officials from the agriculture department have been deployed in the affected areas of seven districts in the state.
These officials are specifically monitoring operations in the affected districts – Amritsar, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Fazilka, Bathinda, Mansa, Ferozepur, and Moga.
These teams have been strictly instructed to work in close coordination with the revenue department to ensure the smooth execution of the 'Special Girdawari' (crop loss assessment).
He further expressed concerns over the prediction of more rainfall in the state.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann ordered a crop loss assessment on Monday to assess the damage caused by the bad weather, asserting that affected farmers will be given compensation.
"We have ordered 'girdawari', and after conducting it, anyone who 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.
Opposition leaders 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, too, sought urgent attention of Chouhan for assistance to affected farmers.