Bad weather destroys crops in Uttar Pradesh

Unseasonal rainfall, hailstorm and high-velocity wind over the last couple of days have wrecked havoc on the standing crops in Uttar Pradesh.

The total damage to the Rabi crop of wheat, mustard and potato across the state could be to the tune of over Rs 1,000 crore, even as the government agencies are still engaged in analysing the extent of damage.

This year, the farmers were expecting a bumper wheat crop until the sudden twist in the weather conditions ruined their chances.

“The damage has been extensive and widespread across Uttar Pradesh to the wheat and mustard crops,” Kisan Jagriti Manch president and UP Planning Commission member Sudhir Panwar told Business Standard. The potato belt in central Uttar Pradesh has also been hit hard.

Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav directed officials to provide relief to the affected farmers. He announced a compensation of Rs 4,500 and Rs 9,000 per hectare in cases of over 50 per cent crop loss to small and borderline farmers for non-irrigated and irrigated farms respectively.

The district magistrates have been directed to ascertain crop loss and submit reports to the state relief commissioner. This would cover loss to maize, gram, peas, masoor, mustard and potato crops.

During 2013, wheat acreage and production in UP stood at about 9.73 million hectare and 31 million tonnes.

Panwar said the state government should also provide free pulses to the affected farmers for sowing. “The government should be complimented for acting promptly in announcing the relief to farmers.”

He further suggested that any rainfall above 20 mm should be considered as 50 per cent crop loss for announcing ex-gratia relief.