Haryana Farmer Unions Reject Government Relief, Demand Rs 50,000 Per Acre Compensation

Major farmer unions in Haryana have vehemently objected to the state government's offer of Rs 7,000–15,000 per acre for crop loss compensation, calling for a significant increase to Rs 50,000 per acre. The unions contend that their actual losses from the devastating waterlogging and viral diseases this season are far greater than the relief that has been announced.

During a crucial meeting between Haryana Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Morcha leaders and state officials in Chandigarh today, farmer representatives expressed deep dissatisfaction with the compensation package. They emphasized that many farmers had to replant their paddy crops multiple times due to waterlogging and the Southern Rice Black Streaked Dwarf Virus outbreak.

Multiple Crises Hit Agricultural Sector

The farming community faces a perfect storm of challenges this season. Prince Waraich, spokesperson for Bharatiya Kisan Union (Pehowa), highlighted that farmers suffered sequential losses from waterlogging, followed by virus attacks that destroyed replanted crops. "The government has assured positive consideration of our Rs 50,000 per acre demand and confirmed that farmers can now claim dwarfism virus losses through the e-kshatipurti portal," he stated.

Tejveer Singh from BKU (Shaheed Bhagat Singh) painted a particularly grim picture for tenant farmers, calling for loan waivers and urging landowners to provide lease exemptions this year. The situation has created a cascading effect, with those farming on leased land facing the most severe financial distress.

Assessment and Transparency Concerns

Gurnam Singh, the head of BKU (Charuni), blasted the existing assessment system, claiming that Revenue Department representatives are inexperienced in accurately calculating agricultural losses. To guarantee accuracy and openness, he insisted that experts from the Agriculture Department perform damage assessments.

Singh calculated farmer losses at approximately Rs 70,000 per acre, considering input costs, replantation expenses, and complete crop failure in waterlogged areas. "Agricultural fields remain submerged with zero hope for crop survival. Even farmers who replanted after earlier waterlogging in Shahabad faced virus attacks later," he explained.

The unions have also demanded compensation for damaged tubewells, early paddy procurement from September 15, and transparent fertilizer distribution systems to prevent further agricultural disruption.