Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 14: Former minister and senior Congress leader Raman Bhalla today demanded special package for compensation to paddy growing farmers for damage caused to their crop due to rain and hail-storm in Jammu region.
While interacting with farmer’s delegation from Gandhi Nagar constituency Bhalla said that the farming community in RS Pura, Suchetgarh and Bishnah have to face unfavourable climatic conditions of rain and hail storm and their crop got ruined. He demanded special package for Basmati growing farmers so that their unfortunate loss is recovered.
While listening to the grievances of the people Bhalla said that BJP Government has no concern for the farmers and the same is clear from the fact that despite repeated representations and even direct talks with concerned officials, no effective steps have been ever taken to resolve the problems of the farmers. He said BJP rule witnessed massive protests, road blockades, dharnas by the farmers in large numbers in different parts of Jammu province and but every time only hollow promises are made to pacify the agitating farmers. Whatever was committed or assured by the Government was never fulfilled, which is a cruel joke with these people.
The farmers expressed their anguish over the destruction of Basmati (Paddy crop) due to hailstorms and rains resulting into 100% loss of ready produce. They further stated that the Govt had promised to double their input costs of crops but the rates fixed for the purchase of paddy are less than their input cost. They alleged that the Govt has not provided any purchase centre in R S Pura and no Government authority has visited to estimate the losses for compensation. There is great resentment amongst the farmers.
They appealed the Lieutenant Governor that district authorities’ and other officers be directed to assess the damaged crop of the farmers and they be given appropriate compensation . They also stressed for loan waiver.
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