Chandigarh: The state govt has sanctioned a relief package of over Rs 123.28 crore for farmers whose crops were damaged by the hailstorm that struck parts of Punjab last month, Hardeep Singh Mundian, the minister for revenue and disaster management, said on Wednesday.The relief package was announced after completion of field assessments by district administrations. The affected cultivators will receive timely compensation, helping them to recover from the unexpected losses suffered during the harvesting season, said the minister.“A relief package of Rs 123,28,05,938 has been approved for crop damage spread over 92,695 acres in 111 villages across seven districts,” said Mundian.The minister added that 992 acres sustained 26% to 32% damage, 61,115 acres 33% to 75% damage, and 30,588 acres 76% to 100% damage.While Rs 44.24 crore has been earmarked for Fazilka, Sri Muktsar Sahib will receive more than Rs 43.01 crore, Bathinda Rs 22.83 crore, Moga with Rs 7.73 crore, and Amritsar Rs 5.26 crore.Compensation of around Rs 17.10 lakh and Rs 1.35 lakh has also been sanctioned for farmers in Ferozepur and Rupnagar districts, respectively.The minister said, “The relief has been calculated on the basis of crop loss severity, covering land where damage ranged from 26% to complete loss, thereby ensuring a fair and transparent compensation mechanism for every affected farmer.”Punjab was hit by hailstorms and unseasonal rains in late March and early April, affecting standing crops, especially the wheat.Crops on 1.3 lakh acres of land were affected across the state. In districts like Fazilka, which was among the worst-hit, farmers reported up to 100% loss.MSID:: 130445436 413 |
