PHAGWARA: Sukhpal Singh Khaira, MLA from Bholath and Chairman of the All India Kisan Congress, has issued a strong demand for immediate and adequate compensation for Punjab’s farmers who have suffered massive wheat crop losses due to recent incidents of fire, rain, and hailstorms across various parts of the state.
Khaira condemned the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for its failure to address the plight of farmers affected by inclement weather conditions. He highlighted that AAP leaders, while in opposition, frequently criticized the meager compensation provided for crop losses, yet their government has miserably failed to deliver adequate relief to farmers during the last three years of their rule.
“The AAP government’s inaction is a betrayal of Punjab’s farmers, who are the backbone of our state’s economy. Their hollow promises of change have left farmers struggling to recover from devastating losses caused by natural calamities, ” Khaira said.
Citing the recent damage to standing wheat crops and harvested produce in grain markets due to hailstorms, thunderstorms, and fires, Khaira demanded a compensation of Rs 50, 000 per acre for affected farmers to help them recover from the financial blow. He emphasized that the state government must conduct a transparent and swift assessment of the losses and ensure that compensation reaches every affected farmer without delay.
“The squall and hailstorms in districts like Barnala, Mansa, and Sangrur have flattened crops, while fires and untimely rains have destroyed harvested wheat in mandis. The AAP government cannot turn a blind eye to this crisis. Farmers deserve justice and fair compensation, not empty rhetoric, ” Khaira added, referencing the widespread damage reported in the state.
Khaira also called for the establishment of a robust crop insurance mechanism and preventive measures, such as timely weather alerts and better infrastructure to protect harvested crops in grain markets, to safeguard farmers from future losses.
“The AAP government must stop making excuses and take responsibility. We demand Rs 50, 000 per acre as immediate relief for farmers and a clear roadmap to prevent such losses in the future, ” he asserted.
The All India Kisan Congress, under Khaira’s leadership, vows to continue advocating for the rights of Punjab’s farmers and will intensify its efforts to hold the state government accountable for its failures.