Untimely rain damaged 50% crops: Farmers

AGRA: Untimely rain and hailstorm on Wednesday has damage standing and partially harvested wheat crop in Agra region. According to farmers, more than 50% of their wheat crop has been damaged. They have demanded compensation for their damaged crops.
Farmers said the worst-affected areas include Shyamon, Shamsabad, Fatehabad, Baroli Ahir, Lodai, Naufari, Runakta and Naina Jaat.
According to district agriculture officer Pravesh Kumar Verma, teams have been formed to assess the loss due to heavy rain. Quoting from initial reports, he said, “The most affected areas are Kiraoli and Sadar. Here crop damage is estimated at 40%.” In other areas, the crop loss is less than these two areas, he added.
Talking about the damage caused by rain, president of the Bhartiya Kisan Union, Agra unit, Shyam Singh Chahar said the untimely rain had broken the back of farmers. Due to this unexpected loss, many farmers would not be able to repay their loans and face a financial crisis.
A farmer, Vijay Singh Lodhi, claimed, “Around 50% of my crops have been damaged due to rain. We have asked for compensation to save us from heavy losses.”
Bharat Singh at Garhi Raduuki village said most of his wheat crop had been damaged, He said he had sown wheat across five bighas and standing crops in four bigha had been totally damaged. What is left is just enough for his family.
Pappu Singh from Rohta village said, “I have borrowed about Rs 1 lakh from my relative but now it will be impossible for me to return the sum soon.”
Meanwhile, in Mathura, farmers blocked the Yamuna Expressway to press for compensation for crop damaged from the administration.