Ambala :
About 1,500 paddy farmers of the district have sought compensation under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) so far, claiming losses due to the recent incessant rainfall. The rain had flattened the crop in several parts of the district, resulting in a delay in its harvest. Around 82,000-hectare land is under paddy crop this year.

Farmers from Danipur, Janaitpur, Jandheri, Shahazadpur, Naraingarh, Saha, and Barara village have filled claim forms.

The delay in harvesting will also impact the sowing of potato crop, which is sown in around 2,700-hectare area.

Brijmohan, a farmer of Sambhalkha village, said “I had sown paddy in five acres and a major portion of the crop has flattened. Now, it will have to be harvested manually. I had planned to sow potato after harvesting paddy, but it seems difficult now.”

Meanwhile, the Bhartiya Kisan Union (Charuni) submitted a memorandum for Deputy Commissioner on Wednesday and demanded a compensation of Rs 40,000 per acre for the losses suffered by farmers.

BKU spokesman Rajiv Sharma said “The government should complete the survey within three days in the presence of Agriculture Department officials. Also, relaxation must be given in the moisture level during procurement of paddy and it must be procured at MSP. All farmers must be compensated, whether their crop is insured or not.”

Guru Prem, Subject Matter Specialist, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, said “Matured crop has flattened at several places. If the water is drained out, there will not be much damage to the crop but if that is not done, there will be germination, which will affect the early variety. There are no reports of damage to aromatic varieties.”

District Horticulture Officer Hawa Singh said, “Due to the delay in harvesting of paddy, the area of potato crop may get reduced this year.”

Deputy Director, Agriculture, Girish Nagpal said, “Farmers have filled claim forms and a survey will be carried out soon.”

ADC Captain Shakti Singh said “As per the preliminary report, around 25-40 per cent crop is affected. A survey will be carried out to find out the exact loss.”