In a move to provide relief to distraught farmers in rain hit areas of Uttar Pradesh, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has asked the state government to distribute Rs. 506 crore to the rain-hit farmers. While, on the other hand, Delhi government too approved a fund of Rs 36 crore as compensation to the farmers.
Concerned about the suicide cases of more than 100 farmers in Uttar Pradesh alone, Mr. Singh expressed his worry over the plight of farmers affected by untimely rain and hailstorm during his visit to the state. According to initial estimates, around 55 districts in UP have been adversely affected due to the unseasonal rains and hailstorms.
The Union Minister also expressed the helplessness of the Central government in giving funds directly to the farmers and resorting to taking state governments’ help. He has also urged other state governments to replicate the compensation model adopted by Haryana government. The state government has given Rs. 25,000 to farmers as compensation for damage of each hectare crop.
Crop damage due to rain
Extensive damage to rabi crops has been reported from several districts of Uttar Pradesh due to unseasonable rain in march and April. While the standing wheat, mustard and gram crop was affected by rain in February and March, rain in April further battered the harvest of rabi crop.
While Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh were the worst affected areas due to the untimely rain, apple and stone fruit growers in Jammu and Kashmir still face the wrath of nature’s fury as rain is lashing several places of the hilly state.
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