CPI(M) MLA demands compensation for crops damaged by rains

Voicing concerns over incessant rains hitting farmers in Jammu and Kashmir hard, a CPI (M) legislator from the state has asked Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed to ensure speedy damage assessment and disbursal of compensation to those affected.
CPI(M) MLA from Kulgam, Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, said farmers producing mustard, wheat and other crops have suffered damages due to rain and the government must depute teams to assess the losses immediately.
"Losses suffered by farmers and orchardists should be assessed and accordingly, the compensation must be disbursed to the affected farmers without any delay," Tarigami said in a statement.
Tarigami further said agriculture and horticulture sectors had suffered jolt following deluge in September last year and the farmers are not in a position to repay their loans raised against their farming land and orchards.

"Now rains have started adding to the damages caused to their crop and other agriculture and horticulture produces," the MLA said.
Referring to shortage and black marketing of horticulture spray oil, pesticides, fungicides and fertilizers in the state, Tarigami said the same has been causing "immense difficulties" to farmers and orchardists, especially those in Kashmir Valley.

The CPI (M) leader also asked government to keep a check on influx of spurious pesticides and fungicides into the Valley. In view of 2015 fruit season, he demanded adequate supply of essential items like spray oil, pesticides and fungicides is made available in the market in order to save orchards from deterioration.

The legislator asked government explore marketing channels to make agriculture production remunerative to improve farmers' living conditions.
Referring to the recent fatal landslides in different parts of state, he demanded compensation and ex-gratia for victims.
He urged government to take steps for removal of encroachment from rivers and flood spill channels on a priority basis and sought KCC loan waiver to those affected by September 2014 deluge, besides extending free ration delivery to victims of recent Kashmir floods.