Farmers plead for govt support in Fatehabad villages

Torrential rains between August 31 and September 5 in the Bhuna block of Fatehabad district have left hundreds of farmers devastated, with more than 200 acres of paddy crops completely destroyed. The worst-hit villages include Rehan Kheri and Lehrian, where waterlogging has turned farmland into temporary ponds, drowning crops and hopes alike.

For many farmers, the damage is not just financial, it is personal and life-threatening. Randhir Singh, a farmer from Rehan Kheri, lost his entire 15 acre paddy crop. Randhir, who is suffering from kidney failure, had pinned all hopes on this season’s harvest to fund his medical treatment. “Now there’s only water in my fields and a shattered dream in my heart,” he said, holding back tears.

In the same village, Harpal Singh is struggling ad he is under Rs 50 lakh debt after borrowing to fund his daughter’s wedding and to send his son abroad, only to be cheated by fake agents. His 20-acre paddy field was his only hope to repay the loans. “Everything is gone. I have no idea where to go from here,” he said. Dilbag Singh, another farmer from Lehrain village, saw his entire 15-acre crop destroyed. His elderly mother suffers from paralysis and needs regular treatment. “This crop was our only support. Now, I can’t even afford her medicines,” he said. The residents describe the situation as a natural disaster, yet no official relief or drainage action has been taken so far. Roads remain flooded and the villagers say no government survey or compensation process has begun.

Community leaders and farmer unions are calling for immediate intervention. Bakshish Singh, a social activist and locals Kesar Singh, Kamal Singh Brar, Gurvinder Singh, and Baldev Singh Gill have urged the government to survey the damage and provide compensation without delay. They are also demanding a special relief package for the farmers facing medical crisis, debt traps, or family emergencies. “With no action yet, the silence from the authorities is as painful as the flood,” said Kamal Singh Brar.