Sampat seeks Rs 50,000/acre relief for hail-hit farmers in Haryana

Former Haryana minister and INLD leader Prof Sampat Singh has demanded an immediate assessment of crop damage caused by rain, hailstorm and strong winds, and sought compensation of Rs 50,000 per acre for affected farmers.

In a statement issued here, Singh said the sudden weather change had caused widespread damage in villages across the Nalwa, Adampur and Barwala Assembly segments of Hisar district, besides several other parts of the state.

Singh visited Shahpur, Nyoli Kalan and Kirtan villages to take stock of the situation and interacted with farmers, many of whom appeared anxious as their wheat, mustard and gram crops had suffered heavy losses. “Farmers requested him to raise the issue with the government so that they could receive some assistance”.

Recalling losses during the previous kharif season, Singh said thousands of acres in the region had been affected due to breaches in drains, canals and minors, leading to waterlogging. In several areas, farmers could not even sow the rabi crop.

He said farmers had pinned their hopes on a good harvest this season. “However, the hailstorm and storm have dashed those hopes. The concern on farmers’ faces due to the adverse weather was clearly visible”.

Singh added that the full extent of the damage would emerge once the weather cleared. “The standing wheat crop was ripe, but it has now fallen, and the grains have turned white. The damage will be more evident after sunlight”.

He further said mustard crops, which had already been harvested and left in fields for drying, had also suffered significant losses. “Similarly, the gram crop has been damaged, with the grains turning black due to the hailstorm”.

“Farmers had already invested fully in their crops, and it was time to harvest and take the produce to the market. Their hopes have now been shattered,” he said, urging the government to conduct a prompt survey and provide compensation of Rs 50,000 per acre without delay.