Flood-hit farmers need all the support
The Tribune Editorial: In this hour of crisis, being denied even the minimum support price is a loss of faith.
IT is the paddy procurement season in Punjab and the after-effects of the devastating floods in August-September are playing out across the state, dealing another blow to the beleaguered farmers. Significant losses are being reported because of the high moisture content in the crop or discolouration of paddy grains. Farmers who went in for the early-maturing, low water-use variety with high yield are facing reduced output. The sowing window had been advanced this year to better manage the electricity demand, groundwater usage and moisture levels. The floods put paid to these efforts. There have also been instances of farmers alleging manipulation of moisture content by rice millers to deny full payment. After the crop loss, it’s another testing time for farmers and they deserve all support by both the Central and state authorities.
