Hoshiarpur:- In a press statement issued by former Cabinet Minister and senior BJP leader Tikshan Sood, it was noted that unseasonal and delayed rains have caused severe damage to the wheat crop this season. This has not only impacted the government procurement of wheat but has also resulted in the complete destruction of a significant portion of the farmers' crops. The wheat grains have become discolored due to the rain and hailstorms.
According to a historic decision taken by the Central Government yesterday, wheat crops with up to 70% discoloration and up to 15% broken grains will now be eligible for procurement at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). Mr. Sood stated that prior to coming to power, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) consistently projected itself as a champion of farmers' interests. However, whenever farmers faced adversity, the AAP—while in government—never extended them the necessary support. Over the last four years, full compensation has not been provided for the losses incurred during two separate instances of severe flooding.
The AAP government—which once championed farmers' protests as legitimate—is now beating them with batons and quelling their agitations by imprisoning them. Furthermore, the Aam Aadmi Party is failing to utilize the crop insurance scheme introduced by the Central Government, which is designed to provide relief to farmers in the event of crop loss.
Mr. Sood asserted that the Centre has provided relief to farmers by acceding to their demands. Now, the ball is in the Mann government's court. He demanded that the Punjab government immediately release compensation of ?100,000 per acre to cover the losses resulting from reduced crop yields and for crops that have been completely destroyed.