Govt to blame for losses to farmers, says Dhumal

Tribune News Service

Shimla, May 24

Expressing concern over the widespread damage caused to crops and fruits due to rain and hailstorm, Leader of Opposition PK Dhumal today said had the Congress brought the farmers under the cover of Prime Minister’s Crop Insurance Scheme, the loss could have been compensated.

In a statement issued here today, Dhumal said the farmers, especially apple growers, had suffered huge damage due to the inclement weather conditions during the last two days. “The state government should swing into action and get the crop loss damage assessed so that the famers could get adequate compensation,” he said.

He said had the Congress regime in the state risen above political considerations and widely publicized the PM Crop Insurance Scheme, the loss could have been covered. “The state government must rise above political consideration when it involves the interest of the state and its people,” he said.

He said under this scheme the crop of the farmers is fully insured on payment of just 5 per cent of the premium amount and the compensation is given within 25 days of the damage due to natural calamity. “It is in the interest of the farmers and fruit growers that they are covered under the PM Crop Insurance Scheme. So efforts must be made to publicise the scheme,” he said.