MPCC demands relief for crop damage

The hailstorms on October 22 and 23 caused widespread destruction in the district. Only the talukas of Nagpur, Parseoni and Hingna were partially spared. Kharif crops of soya bean, cotton, jowar, chillies and tur, besides oranges suffered heavy damage.

It was a bad blow for the farmers to face this calamity just before Diwali. Deshmukh alleged that some ministers of the alliance government paid customary visits and made announcements, but no compensation has been handed out so far. When others are rejoicing during the festival season, the farmers are having to starve, he lamented. The situation is so bad that if the farmers do not get the compensation within seven days, they will be unable to prepare themselves for the Rabi crop as well.

Deshmukh also demanded full compensation for damage to houses also. Extensive damage has been caused to the villagers’ dwellings, particularly the roof tiles, but the Government officials are under-valuing the extent of damage, he charged. He added that if it is not possible to offer monetary compensation on this count, the Government can provide the villagers with the tin sheets procured to help flood-affected people a few years back.

These sheets are lying idle in Government godowns, he informed. He demanded that the Government should waive the farm loans taken by the farmers for the Karif season. Land revenue charges should also be waived as well as the electricity bills for the last six months, said Deshmukh. For the Rabi season, fertilisers and seeds should be distributed.