BJP urges Lieutenant-Governor to appoint official to assess crop losses

The Delhi BJP on Sunday requested lieutenant-governor Najeeb Jung to immediately appoint a nodal officer for assessment of crop loss to ensure that offices of patwaris do not exploit or harass the farmers who have suffered major winter crop loss for the second year in succession due to sudden untimely hailstorms and rains. The Delhi BJP also demanded compensation of Rs 50,000 to Rs 70,000 per acre as per crop loss valuation for farmer who suffered loss.

Delhi BJP leaders, led by Lok Sabha member from West Delhi Parv-esh Verma, travelled to several villages of Delhi to extend a supportive hand to the farmers. Delhi BJP president Satish Upadhyay urged Mr Jung to immediately appoint a nodal officer for the assessment of crop loss to ensure that offices of patwaris do not exploit or harass the farmers. “We have urged all patwaris be brought under the nodal officers and interim relief cheques be distributed before Holi to support farmers,” Mr Upadhyay said. “Crops of wheat and mustard which were almost fully grown have suffered 60 to 80 per cent loss due to the sudden hailstorms in March and to compensate the loss, Rs 50,000 to Rs 70,000 per acre as per crop loss valuation sho-uld be given to the farmers,” Mr Verma said.

The Delhi BJP will be meeting Union agriculture minister Radha Mohan Singh to draw his attention to the poor plight of Delhi farmers due to loss of three crops in a row since March 2015. “The party will request the Union agriculture minister to extend a special rehabilitation package for the farmers of Delhi who are in an economic mess due to this third crop loss,” the Delhi BJP chief said.

Lok Sabha member from northwest, Udit Raj, has expressed distress over the heavy loss of crop to farmers in outer and northwest districts.