Farmers decry lack of compensation for damage caused to paddy by dwarf virus

The farmers of Fatehgarh Sahib and Patiala districts who suffered losses due to China virus infecting the paddy crop are unlikely to receive compensation as per a directive of the Revenue, Rehabilitation and disaster management department.

The Southern Rice Black streaked Dwarf Virus, also known by the name of China virus, results in discoloration, damage and reduction in productivity. As per the letter written on behalf of the competent authority by Superintendent Grade-1 to the Deputy Commissioners of Fatehgarh Sahib and Patiala stated that the paddy attacked by the virus is not covered under the notified natural disasters by the Union Government.

Meanwhile, farmers under the banner of Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) staged a dharna outside the DC office over alleged low compensation to flood-affected farmers and submitted a memorandum to DC.

Addressing the dharna, leaders warned that if the government did not properly compensate the farmers for the losses caused due to floods and the China virus, they would intensify the agitation. They added that the assessment of damage was yet to be completed in most of the areas.