Assess crop damage due to unseasonal rains for compensation: Yogi to DMs

Lucknow: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday directed the district magistrates deputed across 75 districts to assess the damage caused to crops owing to unseasonal rains in their jurisdiction and provide timely relief to affected farmers.Senior officials were directed to monitor the unfolding situation in western UP as reports pertaining to crop damage started surfacing. Agricultural department officials, along with local administrative officials, were directed to carry out a joint survey of the fields impacted by showers and ascertain whether monetary compensation needed to be paid to the affected farmers. High-speed winds, unseasonal rains, strong breezes, as well as sporadic thunderstorms, resulted in crop damage and low yields of agricultural produce. At present, farmers in western UP and other parts of the state are looking forward to reaping the kharif crops. Wheat, mustard, seasonal vegetables, as well as fruits, are grown in large quantities across the state.Yogi asked officials to be considerate while making the assessment and directed the district magistrates to depute an officer to interact with, and collect feedback from, farmers and villagers in the affected areas.