Delhi Ex Gratia Relief to Farmers

The Delhi Government recently approved Rs 20,000 per acre to farmers. These farmers incurred losses due to unseasonal rainfall. Rainwater logged in their fields and damaged the crops that were to be harvested. The state government allocated Rs 53 crores in all for around 29,000 acres.

About the relief

• The farmers around the capital faced severed losses due to unseasonal rains in September – October 2021. Due to these rains, water from nearby drains over flowed to the farms owing to severe damages.
• To address the issue, the Delhi Government has allocated compensation funds. The State government had sent a team to assess the damages. The funds have been allocated based on the report submitted by the team.
• If the loss incurred is 70% or less, then the compensation is to be paid at the rate of 70%. If the loss incurred is more than 70% then 100% compensation is to be paid.

Background

The Delhi Government recently conducted a study to assess the crop area of the region. According to the study, the region has 29,000 acres of land under cultivation. Also, the region has 21,000 farmers. The study had also reported the major concerns of the farmers in the region. They are crop loss, input costs, minimum support price, etc. The findings of the study are yet to be published.

Political scenario in the region

The Aam Aadmi Party is the current ruling party of Delhi. The party aims to extend its power to the state of Punjab as well. It is now the main opposition in the Punjab assembly. The party is contesting in the upcoming elections. The party has promised that it will provide compensation and also increase the compensation in proportion to the production cost.

Unseasonal rains

The unseasonal rains seldom affect crops such as potato, gram, wheat and mustard in this region. Prolonged rains during the harvesting stages of the crops damage the crop, impact the oil content of the seeds. Excessive water logging in potatoes leads to diseases such as late blight.

Month: Current Affairs - January, 2022

Category: India Nation & States Current Affairs