Farmers’ union seeks compensation for crop damage

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, July 20

Demanding compensation for crop damage caused due to incessant rain, a farmers’ union took out a protest march in different villages of Goniana block on Saturday.

Members of the BKU Ekta Ugrahan (Bathinda block) sitting atop vehicles raised slogans and exhorted other farmers of different villages to seek compensation for crop loss. The protesting farmers visited more than 24 villages and made announcements from the loudspeaker mounted atop the vehicles.

The protest march passed through Deon, Sivian, Gill Patti, Bhokhra, Khiali Wala, Aklia, Burj Mehma, Ablu, Mehma Sarkari, Mehma Sarja, Balluana and Jhumba villages. Later, members of the Khet Mazdoor Union also joined the protest march.

Amrik Singh Sivian, a union leader, said, “Farmers fear huge damage to their crops. We are reaching out to them and exhorting them to seek adequate compensation for the crop loss. The whole idea of making announcements via loudspeakers in different villages is to mobilise support so that the affected farmers can come forward to claim compensation.” Jagshir Jhumba, general secretary, BKU Ekta Ugrahan, said, “Had there been a proper drainage system in place in villages, the farming community would not have to deal with inundated fields.” — TNS