Shimla district unit of Himachal Kisan Sabha has expressed concern over extensive damage to various cash crops like apple, peas, stone fruit and wheat due to massive hailstorm in Kotkhai, Theog and Anni yesterday.
HKS Secretary Sanjay Chauhan demanded immediate and adequate compensation and relief to the affected farmers as 80 per cent of various cash crops in these areas were lost and it has put the farmers and growers of these regions in hapless situation because these cash crops are their only source of livelihood.
He termed the instalment and impact of Anti Hail gun big failure of BJP Government in the state.
Mr Chauhan alleged that the government should be serious on such major issues instead of making false publicity and propaganda that it is watching the interests of the farmers and growers of the state and it has installed Anti Hail Guns to protect the apple crop from hail.
He raised doubt over efficacy of Anti hail guns that have been installed by the state government recently. He argued that hail storms caused extensive damage to the floral bud in Kotkhai area, which is represented by Horticulture Minister Narender Bragta and where three Anti Hail Guns have been installed, putting question mark on this technology.
Threatening to launch agitation over the issue, HKS demanded immediate assessment of loss caused by hail storm followed by adequate compensation.
It also sought amendment in ‘Relief Manual’ by the government to disburse the compensation on current market price to damaged crop and said Anti hail nets should be given at 90 per cent subsidy to the farmers by the government.
Mr Chauhan said that government should include loss due to hailstorm and other natural calamities under crop insurance scheme and give ration to the affected farmers at subsidised rates.
Related posts:
