The hailstorm and heavy rainfall three days ago have caused extensive damage to mustard crops spread over 12,500 acres in around 60 villages of Rewari and Bawal blocks. A preliminary survey by the Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department revealed that 26 villages have witnessed over 50% crop loss.

26 villages badly hit

As many as 15 villages in Bawal block and 11 in Rewari block suffered severe losses. The mustard was in the flowering stage. Insured farmers have been advised to apply online for compensation. — Deepak Kumar, SDO (Agriculture), Rewari

"As many as 15 villages in Bawal block and 11 in Rewari block suffered severe losses. The mustard was in the flowering stage. Insured farmers have been advised to apply online for compensation," Deepak Kumar, SDO (Agriculture), Rewari, told The Tribune.

Jhabua, Kharkara, Bolni, Pithanwas, Pachgaon, Masani, Rasgan, Nikhri, Khatawali and Alamgirpur are among the worst-hit villages.

Kanwar Singh, a farmer from Alamgirpur, lamented, "My mustard crop over 10 acres is destroyed. I have no other income source. All affected farmers are looking to the state government for adequate compensation."

Rajesh Kumar, a farmer from Kharkara, said wheat and vegetables also suffered losses. "Most distressed farmers lack insurance and will be ruined without government aid," he added.

Rewari MLA Laxman Singh Yadav confirmed widespread damage in his constituency. "Several farmers have informed me about their losses. The government has asked affected farmers to upload their crop details on the Kshatipurti portal for compensation," he said.

The All India Kisan Khet Mazdoor Sangathan has demanded Rs 50,000 per acre as compensation and urged the government to conduct a special girdawari to assess the losses.

Source - https://www.tribuneindia.com