Farmers in Haryana are demanding compensation after unseasonal rain and hail damaged up to 80% of their wheat crop. Similar crop damage has been reported by a mango grower in UP, while the Bihar government has assured support to its farmers.
Haryana farmers on Wednesday demanded compensation from the Central government after unseasonal rain and hail flattened and damaged their wheat crop in Jhajjar's Amadalpur village.
Farmer Om Pal said, "We have suffered a lot of damage, and we appeal to the government to give us compensation." Farmer Lal Chand also echoed a similar sentiment, "The farmers are deeply impacted by the unseasonal rainfall. Almost 80 per cent of the crop has been damaged. I urge the government to provide compensation."
Crop Damage Extends to Other States
Jagdish, a mango grower in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow, also shared his ordeal, saying that at least 15 per cent of his mango crop has been damaged due to the rainfall. "Almost 40 per cent mango crop was produced, but due to the rainfall, 10-15 per cent of the prematurely ripened fruit got damaged in this orchard."
Government Assures Support in Bihar
Earlier on Monday, Bihar Agriculture Minister Ram Kripal Yadav assured farmers that the state government would extend support following severe crop damage caused by a hailstorm overnight. Speaking to ANI, Yadav said, "Due to strong winds and hailstorms in Bihar last night, crops have been damaged in many districts of the state. I have directed the respective district authorities to assess the damage and send a report. Based on the report, we will take action to help the farmers."
Local Authorities Instructed to Act
Danapur Sub-Divisional Officer Anirudh Pandey added that the District Circle Officer has been instructed to provide compensation after the damage assessment is completed.
Wider Impact of Severe Weather
Earlier on March 28, heavy winds and rain led to the destruction of a pandal located in the Dak Bungalow region of Patna on Friday. Speaking with ANI, City SP, Central, Diksha said that no one has been injured in the incident, and efforts are being made to remove the pandal debris. "An LED gate has broken and fallen because of the storm here. No one has been injured in this incident. The situation is being assessed, and the structure will later be removed," she said.
Nationwide Weather Alert Issued
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a nationwide weather alert, forecasting thunderstorms, rainfall, lightning, and gusty winds across multiple regions over the coming days. (ANI)
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)