Shyam Sundar Batra surveys weather-hit farms in Yamunanagar and seeks relief for affected farmers
YAMUNANAGAR | PEN OF DEMOCRACY NEWS DESK
Congress leader Shyam Sundar Batra visited several villages in Yamunanagar to meet farmers whose standing sugarcane and paddy crops were reportedly damaged after strong winds and rain. During his visit, Batra inspected affected fields and said the sudden change in weather had added to the financial concerns of farmers who had invested months of labour and money in preparing their crops.
Batra said farmers facing crop damage need timely relief as well as clarity on crop prices and procurement arrangements. He urged the government to take necessary steps after assessing the damage and demanded that the sugarcane price be fixed at Rs 600 per quintal. He also called for government procurement of paddy to begin at the earliest.
Batra visits affected villages and meets farmers
According to Batra, farmers in the affected villages have seen standing sugarcane and paddy crops fall to the ground under the impact of strong winds. Farmers told him that the crops required substantial cultivation costs and months of work, and that damage at this stage could affect both production and expected income.
The extent of losses will need to be established through the appropriate crop-damage assessment process. Batra said the government should respond promptly to the concerns of affected farmers and ensure that eligible assistance reaches them without unnecessary delay.
WHAT BATRA HAS DEMANDED
- Timely assessment of weather-related crop damage.
- Appropriate relief for farmers whose crops are found to be damaged.
- Early announcement of the sugarcane price.
- A sugarcane price of Rs 600 per quintal, as demanded by Batra.
- Early commencement of government procurement of paddy.
Batra seeks a remunerative sugarcane price
A central part of Batra’s appeal was the price of sugarcane. He urged the government to announce the rate soon, saying farmers need a remunerative return for their crop and greater certainty before the procurement season progresses. Batra specifically demanded a rate of Rs 600 per quintal.
His demand comes as farmers deal with additional uncertainty caused by weather-related crop damage. According to Batra, an early decision on the sugarcane rate would provide growers with greater clarity about expected returns.
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Call for early paddy procurement
Batra also asked the government to begin official procurement of paddy at the earliest. Timely procurement is important for farmers preparing to market their produce, particularly when weather conditions have already created uncertainty around standing crops and farm incomes.
He said procurement arrangements should be put in place promptly so that farmers have a fair and timely process for selling their produce. The demand was made alongside his call for relief for farmers whose fields were affected by the recent weather.
Weather damage adds to farmers’ financial concerns
The reported damage has raised concerns about crop output and farm income in the affected villages. When standing crops are flattened by strong winds and rain, farmers can face additional harvesting difficulties and potential losses, depending on the extent and condition of the damaged crop.
Batra said the government should treat the situation seriously and act after a proper assessment. He emphasised that farmers who have suffered losses should not have to wait unnecessarily for relief and that crop prices should provide adequate support to farm households.
Assessment and relief remain key concerns
The immediate issue for affected farmers is the assessment of crop damage and the availability of relief. The final extent of losses, however, would depend on field verification and the applicable government assessment and compensation rules. Batra’s visit brought the concerns of affected growers into focus and included a call for administrative action.
Alongside relief, Batra’s demands on sugarcane pricing and paddy procurement underline the wider concern over farm income. He said the government should announce the sugarcane rate without delay and start paddy procurement soon so that farmers have greater certainty about the marketing of their produce.
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