AIKS demands urgent aid for cyclone-hit farmers

By  Firstdespatch Desk   Nov 21, 2023

Agartala, Nov 21 (FD) A delegation from the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) recently met with Agriculture Director Sharadindu Das, pressing for immediate compensation and relief for over one lakh farmers in the state grappling with severe losses caused by Cyclone Midhili.

AIKS Secretary Pabitra Kar led the delegation, presenting a five-point charter of demands. Kar highlighted that nearly one lakh farmers have suffered substantial losses due to untimely rains and cyclones, expressing concerns about potential market shortages and a looming crisis for both farmers and consumers.

"We have urged the state agriculture department to stand firmly by the farmers during this critical period," stated Kar.

The demands encompass the swift formation of a specialized team for assessing farmers' losses, immediate financial assistance for those affected in cultivating seasonal crops, utilization of the Disaster Management Fund for financial aid, free provision of essential agricultural resources (seeds, fertilizers, pesticides), ensuring cost-free irrigation facilities, and the implementation of LI and DWT schemes.

Kar criticized the Meteorological Department in Agartala for allegedly issuing an irresponsible bulletin and held the State Agriculture Department responsible for failing to prevent significant damage. He emphasized the dire situation for farmers currently engaged in paddy harvesting, suffering massive losses and complete destruction of vegetable cultivation.

"With paddy harvesting underway, farmers in the state have suffered massive losses, and vegetable cultivation has been completely destroyed," Kar said, emphasizing the urgent need for assistance. The agriculture director assured prompt and effective action in response to the delegation's concerns. FD SB JK