Continuous rains and hailstorm have wrought havoc with standing crops in a large part of Jammu region especially the plain areas of Kathua, Hiranagar, Samba, Vijaypur, Bishnah, Suchetgarh, Arnia, R S Pura, Marh, Pargwal and Akhnoor. Mustard oil seeds crop and vegetables have suffered extensive damages. Yellow rust has caused much damage to wheat crop and almost 25 per cent crop is ruined. Farmers are frantically seeking intervention by the agricultural scientists and experts to protect the remaining crop from being affected by the yellow rust.
The Government does not have control on the forces of nature but it can take remedial measures. In the first place highly experienced and trained agricultural scientist should be invited to examine the nature of damage done to the crops and suggest what measures should be taken to stop the yellow rust from spreading further. Secondly, the Revenue Department should depute a team of experts to assess the damage done to standing crops, vegetables fruit and other products and the farmers who have suffered losses should be compensated. Land revenue should be exempted and apart from payment of compensation which may not be adequate, the farmers should be given farm loans on nominal rather no interest for few years. They should also be provided with quality seeds that would not be affected by rust or other diseases. Those who have suffered more than 50 per cent losses should be provided food grains for a specific period till they are able to recover and stand on their legs once again.
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