Paddy farmers seek quick relief for virus-hit crop losses

As paddy harvesting enters its final phase, farmers in Ambala district who suffered severe losses due to the Southern Rice Black Streaked Dwarf Virus are now looking to the government for early compensation.

According to officials of the Agriculture Department, nearly 4,000 acres of paddy crop in the district were affected by the virus, which, agricultural experts say, is transmitted by white-backed plant hoppers. The infection causes stunted growth, poor nutrient intake and underdeveloped grains, leading to significant yield losses.

Farmer unions have demanded that the state government provide compensation of Rs 15,000 per acre for the affected cultivators.

“I have suffered a yield loss due to the virus this year and also filed a claim through the e-Kshatipurti portal of the government, but we are yet to receive any compensation,” said Gurmeet Singh, a farmer from Majri village. “The farmers are going through a tough phase and the government should release the compensation at the earliest.”

Members of farmer unions echoed the demand, urging the government to expedite the process.

“The farmers have suffered huge losses this year. The government must understand that they need funds not only to pay for the current crop but also to prepare for the next sowing season,” said Prince Waraich, member of Haryana Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Morcha and spokesman of BKU (Pehowa). “The issue was raised in the meeting held in Chandigarh. The departments concerned should be directed to release compensation immediately.”

Tejveer Singh, spokesman of the Bhartiya Kisan Union (Shaheed Bhagat Singh), said the unions had already submitted memorandums to press their demand.

“Farmers have repeatedly requested compensation for losses due to the virus, but no payment has been released yet. We have already submitted a memorandum in Ambala and will do so in Kurukshetra, Yamunanagar, and other districts. If the government delays further, farmers may be forced to take strict decisions,” he warned.

Officials confirmed the widespread damage.

“Nearly 4,000 acres — mainly in Saha, Barara, Mullana, and Ambala-2 areas — were affected by the Dwarf Virus,” said Dr Jasvinder Saini, Deputy Director, Agriculture (Ambala). “Besides the virus, waterlogging and untimely rains also hit the yield this year. Farmers insured under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) will receive compensation through insurance companies, while a decision on uninsured farmers will be taken by the government.”

He added that around 95 per cent of the paddy crop has already been harvested in the district.