By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 7: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) on Thursday urged Agriculture Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh to take immediate steps to assess the damage caused by the recent hailstorm and provide compensation to the affected farmers.
In a letter addressed to her, VPP legislator Brightstarwell Marbaniang said the hailstorm severely impacted rice crops in various districts, including West Jaintia Hills, West Khasi Hills, Eastern West Khasi Hills and East Khasi Hills.
“As reported, the hailstorm particularly devastated paddy fields which were on the verge of harvesting, resulting in significant losses, with estimates showing that more than 50% of the crops have been destroyed in many areas, including Mawsiatkhnam village in the Mawlai constituency. The situation is dire, and the impact on the livelihood of our farmers is profound,” Marbaniang said.
He said it is also important to highlight that a similar calamity occurred in Mawsiatkhnam last year in which heavy rainfall, coupled with high wind and floods, damaged rice crops.
He said government officials, who had visited the area, instructed the affected farmers to submit necessary details to get assistance from the government. However, he said, no compensation or support has been provided to them till date.
The MLA said the delay in aid has only compounded the hardships of the farming community. “In light of this devastating calamity, I request the Agriculture Department to take immediate steps to assess the extent of the damage caused by the hailstorm and calculate the losses incurred by the affected farmers,” he said.
He categorically stated the government must take swift action to ensure that proper compensation is provided to these farmers in accordance with existing laws and compensation schemes. “The affected farming community is facing not only financial hardship but also emotional distress, as the loss of crops threatens their livelihoods and well-being,” Marbaniang said. As such, he said, it is crucial that the government steps in urgently to support them by providing immediate relief as well as long-term solutions.
“I urge the department to consider this as an urgent matter and take appropriate steps to ensure that all affected farmers in the state are adequately compensated for their losses and provided with the necessary support to help them recover from this crisis,” the MLA added.
