Natural calamity in the shape of storm and rains and man made calamity in the shape of firing and shelling by Pakistani Rangers in the border areas of RS Pura have caused enormous damage to the rice growers of fabulous Basmati growing areas of Pargwal, Marh, Suchetgarh, Arnia, Vijaypur and Hiranagar blocks. 30 to 70 per cent Basmati crop has been damaged and owing to absence of electric power tube wells have become non functional causing further damage to the crops. The storm has brought a thick layer of sand on the land and farmers are unable to identify their farms for which Revenue officials need to intervene. Lift irrigation system is dysfunctional at Sai Kalan and the crops have dried up. It is of utmost urgency that the world known Basmati crop is rejuvenated by providing support to the farmers. Some incentives have to be provided as is being demanded by their representatives. A team of Revenue Department should visit these areas where Basmati is grown and report back to the Government on the status of the crops, environs and the farmers, who were forced to shift to safer places and leave their farms unattended.
There is full justification in their demand for compensation to the next of kin of those killed or wounded in Pakistan firing. Moreover, there should be a package for their rehabilitation also. We have said in these columns that the land close to the border in RS Pura is very fertile and productive and if the farmers are not able to cultivate their land, it will be disastrous for our economy. Basmati is a solid foreign exchange earning source and it has to be maintained at any cost. We hope that the Government will appoint a committee of assessors from among the staff of the Revenue Department which will make the assessment on the ground and make recommendations to the Government about the quantum of assistance and other benefits for the affected farmers in RS Pura and other affected areas.
Follow our WhatsApp channel