Crops destroyed, Lahaul-Spiti farmers request government to waive agriculture loans

Farmers in Lahaul and Spiti district are grappling with severe economic distress following widespread crop destruction due to heavy rainfall, cloudbursts and landslides this year. In light of heavy crop losses, they have urged both state and Central governments to waive their agricultural loans and provide immediate financial relief.

The region, known for the cultivation of high-value exotic vegetables like broccoli, lettuce and other seasonal produce like cauliflower and peas, suffered immense losses as heavy rain and landslides led to prolonged road blockages. As accessibility to markets was blocked, farmers were unable to transport their produce, which rotted in their fields. Shocking visuals on social media platforms, particularly Facebook, showed heaps of spoiled vegetables being dumped from trucks and carts.

Ramesh Kumar Rulba, former Chairman of the District Council of Lahaul and Spiti, described the economic losses as “unprecedented” and said that farmers were now helpless and struggling to repay their agricultural loans. “This is not just a financial issue, it’s about survival,” he added.

Veena Devi, incumbent Chairperson of the District Council, said that many farmers in the Miyar valley in Udaipur subdivision were unsure how they would meet even their basic food needs during the upcoming winter. “Vegetable farming is their primary source of livelihood. The destruction of their crops has left them without any income. It’s a horrible situation,” she added. She had raised the matter with the district administration and local MLA Anuradha Rana.

Former MLA and senior BJP leader Ravi Thakur has also taken up the issue with the Union Government. He called on Union Minister of State for Textiles Ajay Tamta and requested him for urgent intervention and support for the distressed farmers.

Anuradha Rana, said that she had submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, requesting him for a special relief package, free seed distribution and waiver of Kisan Credit Card loans. “I have urged the Chief Minister to raise the matter with the Central Government. He has assured us that every possible measure will be taken to support farmers,” she added.