Lucknow: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath took cognisance of unseasonal rains that lashed parts of the state on Friday, leading to concerns about crop damage.The CM directed all district magistrates to remain in alert mode and carry out an inspection of all agricultural fields to determine crop damage, if any. “The welfare of farmers is the govt’s priority. Ensure swift assessment of crop damage caused by rains and provide relief,” the CM said. The CM issued directions to the departments of revenue and agriculture, and insurance companies to carry out immediate joint surveys of the crop damage due to the weather. He said that reports of the survey must be submitted to his office at the earliest so that compensation can be released. “DMs have been told to personally monitor the survey and also go on the ground to carry out the assessment. The CM has also directed principal secretary, agriculture, and relief commissioner to maintain direct contact and coordination with officials working at the field level. All information should be collected on time and made available to the govt so that there is no delay in relief operations,” said a govt spokesperson. The official said that in addition to the survey, farmers can also directly report damage to crops using a toll-free number. Multiple digital platforms have been made available for farmers to report crop damage under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and the Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme. Information can also be shared through the Crop Insurance App and WhatsApp. “If farmers face any issues related to crop insurance, they can also contact their district’s deputy director of agriculture or district agriculture officer for prompt resolution. They may also directly reach out to representatives of the insurance company operating in their respective district for assistance,” the official added.
