The Chief Minister of Punjab, Bhagwant Mann, has announced a special “girdawari” (field inspection) to assess the damage caused to crops due to recent rains in the state. He has directed officials to complete the task within a week and has assured farmers that there is no shortage of funds for compensation for crop loss. The Chief Minister toured rain-affected fields in Moga, Muktsar, Bathinda and Patiala districts of the state on Sunday. The untimely rain accompanied by hail and high-velocity winds caused damage to wheat and other crops in several parts of the state. In a video message on Monday, Mann said that he met affected farmers and saw that there was damage to crops, especially wheat, in villages of Moga, Muktsar, Bathinda and Patiala. The standing wheat crop has flattened at several places. Farmers whose crops were damaged due to inclement weather conditions will be compensated. The compensation amount has been increased by 25%. In case of crop loss from 75 to 100 per cent, a compensation of Rs 1,5000 per acre will be given. In case of crop loss of 33 to 75 per cent, compensation of Rs 6,750 will be given. Mann has issued directions to all the deputy commissioners for conducting a special ‘girdawari’ for crop loss assessment and complete the task within a week. He also said that there was some damage to houses as well due to the recent rains, and the government will take necessary action to provide relief to affected families.
