Demanding an increase in the compensation announced by the state government, farmers associated with the Jamhoori Kisan Sabha staged protests at all sub-divisions and submitted memorandums to sub-divisional magistrates (SDMs).

Massive gatherings were held at Attari, Ajnala and other sub-divisions of the district in this regard. The union had demanded that the compensation for total crop loss should be increased to Rs 50,000 per acre. At present, the government has announced to give a compensation of Rs 15,000 for loss ranging between 75 per cent and 100 per cent.

The union also demanded a compensation of Rs 60,000 per acre for damage to crops such as potato, tomato and other vegetables. Further, it has demanded a compensation of Rs 80,000 for loss of crop in citrus orchards.

Dr Satnam Singh Ajnala, state president of the Jamhoori Kisan Sabha, said: “Farmers have spent three times more than the compensation amount announced by the state government for total crop loss. Cost of diesel, fertilisers, chemicals and rent on the land is too high. With the meagre compensation announced by the state government, farmers will not benefit in any way.”

Addressing the farmers at Attari, Baba Arjan Singh Hoshiar Nagar said the government had made three categories while announcing compensation. It had announced a compensation of Rs 3,300 per acre for farmers who suffered crop loss less than 50 per cent, while Rs 6,700 for loss between 50 per cent and 75 per cent and Rs 15,000 for loss ranging between 75 per cent and 100 per cent, he said, adding that compensation for all categories should be increased.

Source - https://www.tribuneindia.com