Punjab: Govt Announces Compensation for Flood-Affected Farmers, To Get Rs 6,800 Per Acre

In a move aimed at providing relief to farmers affected by recent flash floods, the government has decided to offer compensation for the damage caused to paddy seedlings. The unprecedented decision will see farmers receive Rs 6,800 per acre for the loss they incurred due to the devastating floods that struck the state in July.

Typically, the loss of seedlings doesn't fall under the purview of compensation according to the assistance norms established by the Government of India through the State Disaster Response Fund and the National Disaster Response Fund. However, in a proactive step, the Aam Aadmi Party government has declared the damage to seedlings as a loss of inputs, thereby making the affected farmers eligible for compensation.

Speaking on the matter, Revenue Minister Brahm Shankar Jimpa stated, "This is the first time the Aam Aadmi Party government is giving compensation for the seedlings by declaring this as a loss of inputs." The flash floods that occurred from July 7-12 submerged nearly 6.25 lakh acres of land and necessitated the replanting of seedlings on 2.75 lakh acres.

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Financial Commissioner, Revenue, KAP Sinha shared that the state government had sought clarification from the Centre regarding this issue. They were granted permission to use the disaster relief funds to provide compensation to farmers for the loss of seedlings.

While the government had also requested an increase in compensation for all flood-affected individuals from the Disaster Response Fund, sources reveal that this request was not granted. The compensation being provided is in line with the established norms.

The distribution of relief has already begun in eight districts, including Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Moga, Mohali, Patiala, Pathankot, Ropar, and Sangrur. Revenue Minister Jimpa explained, "As soon as we receive the girdawari reports from the Deputy Commissioners, we will disburse the cheques to the affected farmers."

According to reports, around Rs 103 crore has been disbursed to various districts for the July flash floods, while Rs 186 crore has been released for districts affected by floods in August. The process of conducting a special girdawari (a revenue assessment survey) is still ongoing, as some villages remain submerged and silt deposition in fields complicates land demarcation.

It's important to note that while this compensation is being provided for damaged paddy seedlings, there is no relief being extended for the damaged wheat crop that suffered due to a hailstorm in March. Despite the government's previous announcement of compensation from the Disaster Response Fund for affected wheat farmers, the relief has yet to be provided due to reasons including higher wheat production that apparently indicates no significant loss.

This compensation initiative by the government marks a significant step towards supporting farmers during challenging times and reflects a commitment to addressing the immediate needs of the agricultural community.

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