Sukhbir Badal launches seed sewa, claims AAP govt didn’t keep its promise

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Badal on Thursday lashed out at the Punjab’s AAP government, alleging that it failed to provide free wheat seeds to farmers affected by recent floods.

The Punjab Government had earlier announced to provide free wheat seeds to flood-hit farmers owning less than 5 acres from October 13.

Launching his party’s “Beej Sewa” (seed service) drive, Sukhbir distributed 1,800 quintals of seed in Dharamkot and Shahkot.

He alleged that the AAP government’s “inaction” had left thousands of farmers in distress as the wheat sowing season was already underway. “The government had promised to distribute certified seed for four lakh acres of flood-hit farmland,” he said. “If not distributed now, it will serve no purpose,” he added.

He said the Akali Dal had already distributed 1,000 quintals of wheat seeds in Ajnala and was determined to complete its ‘Beej Sewa’ initiative across all flood-affected districts by the end of October.

Once the drive concluded, he said, the party would launch another initiative to distribute wheat grains to poor families affected by the floods. Accusing the AAP government of “betraying” the farming community, Sukhbir said Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had made a “mockery” of crop compensation by releasing a meagre Rs 1.16 crore in Ajnala.