No relief, farmers take to streets

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, April 17

Scores of activists of various farmer organisations today staged a massive protest outside the DC office here, seeking special girdawari and adequate compensation for the crop loss suffered by the farmers due to unseasonal rain in the last two months.

Addressing the protesters, Jamhuri Kisan Sabha state chief Dr Satnam Singh Ajnala, Kirti Kisan Union leader Datar Singh and Kisan Sangarsh Committee leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said unseasonal rainfall and hailstorm had wreaked havoc on all crops of the season.

But, the Central and the state governments were resorting to false promises instead of extending a helping hand to the farmers in the hour of crisis, they alleged.

The farmer leaders demanded that a special girdawari of all crops be conducted and adequate compensation given to the farmers. They sought a compensation of Rs 35,000 per acre, besides Rs 500 per quintal bonus on wheat as compensation for the drop in yield.