NEW DELHI: With Punjab’s agrarian heartland reeling under unprecedented floods, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian has urged the Centre to release an immediate relief package and enhance compensation for affected farmers.
Accompanying Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to flood-hit areas in Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Kapurthala, Khudian showcased the widespread devastation to crops, livestock, and the rural economy. Upon arrival at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar, Khudian received the Union Minister and briefed him on the scale of losses.
4 Lakh Acres Submerged
According to preliminary assessments, over 4 lakh acres of farmland have been inundated, with paddy fields worst affected just weeks before the harvest season. Khudian said the floods have caused massive losses to farmers and agricultural infrastructure, further worsening the state’s rural economy with significant livestock damage.
“Punjab’s contribution to the nation’s food security cannot be overlooked,” Khudian stressed, underlining the state’s pivotal role in sustaining India’s central food pool. He said the devastation has left Punjab’s economic backbone under immense strain, requiring urgent intervention from the Union Government.
Demand for Higher Compensation
Expressing dissatisfaction over current relief measures, Khudian pointed out that existing crop damage compensation of ₹6,800 per acre is grossly inadequate. He demanded the amount be raised to at least ₹50,000 per acre to reflect the real scale of farmers’ losses.
Appeal for Financial Package
The Punjab Agriculture Minister further pressed for the immediate release of ₹8,000 crore in pending Rural Development Fund (RDF) and Market Development Fund (MDF) from the Centre. He also sought a special package to mitigate the impact of the floods and revive the state’s agricultural and rural economy.
“Punjab’s farmers are facing unprecedented devastation. Without adequate support, both the state’s economy and the nation’s food security are at risk,” Khudian said, urging urgent action from the Centre.
