The Punjab government has decided to compensate farmers for their wheat crop damage due to unseasonal rain and hailstorms. The central government had imposed a value cut on shriveled grain, ranging from Rs 5.31 to Rs 31.87 per quintal. However, the farmers will receive full payment for their damaged crops, announced Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann during his visit to Nihalgarh village. He paid tribute to MP Teja Singh Sutantar on his death anniversary during the visit.
The state ministers and officers had requested the CM to take up the matter with the Union Government. Instead of repeatedly approaching the Centre, the state will compensate the farmers for any shortfall of payment. “While seeking relaxation, we had informed the Centre of the damage to the wheat crop. Although the norms were relaxed, the Centre imposed an arbitrary value cut on shriveled grain. But we will not allow our farmers to suffer,” the CM said. The announcement has brought relief to the farmers, who were planning to launch a protest against the Centre’s move.
The value cut is not applicable on wheat with shriveled grain up to 6 per cent. A cut of Rs 5.31 per quintal has been imposed on wheat with shriveled grain between 6% and 8%. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated that a cut of Rs 10.62 per quintal for damage between 8% and 10%, and Rs 15.93 per quintal for loss between 10% and 12% has been imposed. Moreover, a value cut of Rs 21.25 per quintal has been imposed on wheat with shriveled grain between 12% and 14%, and Rs 26.56 per quintal for damage between 14% and 16%. For loss between 16% and 18%, a value cut of Rs 31.87 per quintal has been imposed.
