Farmers come together to revive fields

In the flood-hit fields of the border district of Fazilka, the roar of tractors has replaced despair with hope over the past three days. Farmers from Mansa, Bathinda, Muktsar and Moga districts have converged here with their tractors to make the sand-covered fields ready for wheat sowing.

The wheat sowing season is already underway, and the optimum time will last until November 15. Farmers in several villages along the Sutlej have already suffered losses to their houses and fields.

Led by BKU (Ekta-Ugrahan) leaders Jhanda Singh Jethuke and Shingara Singh Mann, the volunteers have set up a tent at Teja Ruhela village along the International Border. They work throughout the day to level the fields, cook together, plan their day over morning meetings, and refuel their vehicles utilising union funds.

“Floods have left behind up to 50-foot wide pits in the fields. We have been helping since the floods, first with wheat, fodder and clothes, and now with tractors. We will stay here for a week before moving back, and will return, if there is a need,” said Jethuke.

Shingara Singh Mann said they were working in Teja Ruhela, Chak Ruhela, Ram Singh Bhaini and several neighbouring villages. These farmers have installed public address systems on some vehicles to pass on instructions to others.

Women from nearby homes are also lending a helping hand by preparing meals for the visiting farmers. “Over a hundred tractors are working day and night. Their support means the wheat crop can be sown again. Only some fields remain waterlogged,” said Teja Ruhela Sarpanch Parshottam Singh.

Some visiting farmers, however, alleged they were not being allowed to work near the barbed wire fencing along the border.

The district administration has stepped in as well, distributing free wheat seeds among affected farmers. “Teams of the Agriculture Department will visit every flood-affected village to distribute free wheat seeds,” said Amarpreet Kaur Sandhu, Deputy Commissioner, Fazilka.