The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has increased compensation rates for farmers experiencing crop damage. For losses ranging from 75% to 100%, farmers will now receive Rs 20,000 per acre, significantly up from the previous Rs 6,800 per acre.
Farmers with 33% to 75% crop loss will be compensated Rs 10,000 per acre, also an increase from Rs 6,800. Additionally, for 26% to 33% crop damage, the new rate is Rs 10,000 per acre, a substantial rise from the prior Rs 2,000 per acre under State Disaster Response Fund norms. The state government stated it will contribute Rs 14,900 towards the Rs 20,000 per acre compensation, asserting this to be the highest state contribution nationally.
Further relief measures include Rs 47,500 per hectare for farmers whose land has been eroded by rivers, and Rs 7,200 per acre under a separate scheme. Chief Minister Mann also announced the state’s intention to introduce a rehabilitation bill and indicated that the state government has requested the Centre for increased flood compensation, seeking Rs 50,000 per acre. He also made statements criticizing Union ministers regarding their engagement during the crisis.
Source: indianexpress.com