Chandigarh, January 28
Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) President Rao Narendra Singh has expressed deep concern over the recent unseasonal hailstorm in Haryana that has damaged the wheat, mustard and other rabi crops in several districts. IN a statement issued here today, he said that the standing crops in the fields have been completely destroyed, creating a serious economic crisis for thousands of farmers.
Singh demanded that the state government provide immediate relief to the affected farmers. He said that the damage caused by the hailstorm is extremely severe and if the government does not take concrete steps in time, the condition of the farmers will become even more pitiable. “Farmers are already struggling with inflation, rising costs and market uncertainties. In such a situation, the unseasonal hailstorm has broken their backs”, he said, while accusing the government of adopting an indifferent attitude instead of understanding the pain of the farmers.
The state Congress President demanded from the state government that a special girdawari (crop assessment survey) should be conducted immediately in the hailstorm-affected areas. “A realistic and transparent assessment of crop damage be carried out. Appropriate, adequate and timely compensation be provided to the affected farmers. A relief package be announced to provide financial assistance to farmers for the next crop,” he demanded.
Singh said, “Farmers are the backbone of the state. It is their hard work that feeds the country. But today, due to the wrath of nature, their efforts are being destroyed and the government’s indifference is rubbing salt into their wounds. The Congress party stands firmly with the farmers and will fight at every level for their rights.”
Singh appealed to the government to rise above political differences and take immediate concrete steps in the interest of the farmers. “If the government does not act promptly, the Congress party will not hesitate to launch a movement”, he announced.
