Farmers in Ratia Demand ₹1 Lakh Compensation for Rain and Hailstorm-Damaged Crops

Ratia: The Ratia block committee of the Pagri Sambhal Jatta Kisan Sangharsh Samiti, Haryana, submitted a memorandum to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) on Tuesday, addressed to the Haryana Chief Minister, demanding compensation for crops damaged by heavy rain and hailstorms.

The farmers’ organisation has demanded compensation of ₹1 lakh per affected farmer to help them recover from the financial losses caused by the adverse weather conditions.

Farmers Seek Immediate Crop Damage Assessment

The protest was led by block president Gurlal Nathwan and district vice-president Gaggi Chahal.

Addressing the gathering, Mandeep Nathwan, state president of the Pagri Sambhal Jatta Kisan Sangharsh Samiti, said rain and hailstorms had caused substantial damage to agricultural crops. He pointed out that farmers were already struggling with rising cultivation costs, including expensive seeds, fertilisers and other agricultural inputs.

He said crop losses caused by the weather had further intensified the financial difficulties faced by farming families. Nathwan urged the state government to conduct a special crop damage assessment, known as girdawari, without delay and provide appropriate compensation to affected farmers.

Farmers Warn of Further Protest

Nathwan warned that farmers would intensify their agitation if their demands were not addressed promptly. He announced a proposed gherao of the Deputy Commissioner’s office on October 3 if the government failed to accept their demands.

He also appealed to farmers to unite and actively participate in the struggle to secure their rights.

Farmers’ Representatives and Union Members Attend

Several farmer leaders and members attended the programme, including district president Om Prakash, Sukhdeep Randhawa, Gagan Mann Hadoli, Pal Sandhu, Inderjit Samra, Hakam Khai, Pargat Khokhar, Prem Khokhar, Pradeep Shekhupur, Jarnail Ratia, Roop Khokhar, Dulla Khokhar, Gurpreet MC, Sukhwinder Singh, Ramesh Kumar and Jagtar Singh Hadoli.

Raja Singh, president of the Mazdoor Union, also joined the gathering in support of the farmers’ demands.