Punjab seeks higher compensation for farmers

The Punjab government Saturday sought higher compensation for farmers for their losses due to natural disasters.

Expressing concern over the meagre compensation given to farmers for losses due to natural disasters, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal said that he would take up the issue with the central government.

Interacting with the media on the first day of his tour to assess the losses due to rain in the water-logged districts of south-west Punjab, Badal pointed out that the Rs.3,500 per acre compensation given by the Centre to farmers for loss due to natural disasters was "too miniscule".

"In the wake of the exorbitant hike in prices of agriculture inputs borne by the farmers to raise their crops, the compensation should be enhanced," Badal said.

He said that the state wanted to give higher financial assistance to farmers but the "riders imposed by the union government barred them from helping the victims of this natural tragedy which was unfortunate".

He said that the situation of the farmers should be viewed liberally by the centre.

Badal announced that the cooperative department in Punjab has been directed to postpone the recovery of loans from the farmers in the wake of the havoc created by the rains.