Hooda demands compensation for farmers hit by hailstorm

Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has urged the state government to compensate farmers for crop damage caused by hailstorm in parts of the state over the past two days. He highlighted that the storms have affected around 150 villages across districts, including Hisar, Palwal, Gurugram, Fatehabad, Bhiwani, Jind, Rohtak, Jhajjar, Kaithal and Sirsa.

“Standing crops of wheat, mustard and vegetables have suffered significant damage. Mustard crop alone has seen 60 to 80 per cent losses. Kinnow, potato, cabbage, tomato and other vegetables have also been severely affected,” Hooda said.

He called for a special girdawari (crop loss assessment) to evaluate the extent of damage and ensure proper compensation for the affected farmers. “For years, the BJP government has trapped farmers in the complexities of its compensation portals. The government must simplify the process and ensure direct compensation to farmers. Moreover, pending compensation from previous seasons should be disbursed immediately,” he demanded.

Hooda criticised the government for its alleged neglect of farmers’ issues, including their long-standing demand for a minimum support price (MSP). He expressed concern over the deteriorating health of farmer leader Dallewal, who is on a hunger strike to press for the MSP demand.

“The condition of Dallewal is alarming, yet the BJP government is not taking cognisance of the situation or initiating dialogue with the agitating farmers. The government must resolve their demands promptly and ensure Dallewal ends his fast,” Hooda said.