S. R. Parthiban, Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) MLA urged the Salem district administration to sanction adequate compensation to the banana crop that was ravaged by gusty winds on Friday.

Banana crop raised by farmers in a large area at Puthu Velangulam, Vella Karattur, Thaakaadu, Kannamoochi and the surrounding villages of Kolathur panchayat union limits suffered heavy damages in the gale, which uprooted the trees, Mr. Parthiban said in a petition presented to the District Collector K. Maharabushanam here on Monday.

The loss has been heavy as the entire crop was in a harvesting stage. The farmers had procured loans with much difficulty for raising the crop and more than 80 per cent of the banana trees have been damaged.

Mr. Parthiban urged the Collector to direct the Horticulture Department officials to initiate steps to make a ‘real’ assessment of the damage caused to the banana orchards in Kolathur region.

The government should come forward to sanction a compensation of Rs. 110 per tree damaged, the MLA demanded.

Source - http://www.thehindu.com/