Karnataka Pranta Raitha Sangha (KPRS) has said that there are widespread irregularities in assessment and disbursal of compensation for crop loss caused due to the recent heavy rain and floods in Kalaburagi district.

KPRS district president Sharanabasappa Mamshetty, addressing a press conference in Kalaburagi on Sunday, said that a total of 4.17 lakh farmers initially registered for flood relief compensation across the district.

However, the number of eligible beneficiaries has been reduced to 3.17 lakh, leaving most of the affected farmers in the lurch. The State government has to release an estimated ₹30 crore to extend compensation for farmers, he said.

Mr. Mamshetty said that the crop survey process was riddled with lapses, with village accountants carrying out assessments without visiting the fields.

This has resulted in discrepancies and denial of compensation to several eligible farmers who suffered huge crop loss this season.

Pointing to the severe losses suffered by red gram growers, he said that the crop was affected not only by excessive rainfall but also by disease and extensive wild boar attacks.

These losses have not been included in the official survey records, Mr. Mamshetty said and urged the State government to recognise such damage and extend relief.

Mr. Mamshetty criticised nationalised banks for freezing the accounts of farmers who are not able to repay their loans, due to which many people have not received crop insurance money, MGNREGA wages or pension amounts.

This has affected farmers in Afzalpur, Jewargi, Chincholi, Chittapur, Shahabad and Kamalapur taluks. He said that farmers preparing for the next sowing season do not have money to buy seeds and fertilisers, as freezing their accounts at this time has caused more hardship.

Mr. Mamshetty also sought clarity from the State government on the criteria used for determining compensation amounts, pointing out that farmers have received compensation ranging between ₹5,000 and ₹13,000 per acre, while farmers in some villages have not received any relief at all.

Source - https://www.thehindu.com