How is Akali Dal Supporting Farmers Affected by Floods?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Shiromani Akali Dal is providing certified seeds for one lakh acres.
- Compensation of Rs 50,000 per acre is being demanded for affected farmers.
- 500 trucks of maize silage and compressed hay will be distributed.
- 125 medical camps will be set up in flood-hit regions.
- Veterinary teams will assist in livestock welfare.
Chandigarh, Sep 8 (NationPress) The President of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Sukhbir Badal, declared a comprehensive initiative on Monday aimed at assisting farmers impacted by recent floods. This program includes the provision of relief materials and certified seeds for the upcoming wheat growing season. Furthermore, he has called for a compensation of Rs 50,000 per acre for the farmers affected by the floods, as well as for the 'khet mazdoor'.
Following an urgent meeting with senior leaders and district heads, Badal mentioned that arrangements have been made to deploy 500 trucks of maize silage for distribution at the village level.
In addition, he revealed that the party has procured 500 trucks of compressed hay (dry fodder) to support local farmers.
Badal also announced the acquisition of 500 fogging machines to be used in flood-hit areas, which will be operated by party volunteers.
He emphasized that the party's initiative is forward-looking, stating, “We will provide certified wheat seeds to farmers covering one lakh acres.”
Moreover, 30,000 quintals of seeds will be allocated to meet local food supply needs. Badal also shared that the Shiromani committee agreed to his proposal to set up 125 medical camps led by professionals from Guru Ramdas Hospital in Amritsar, across the flood-affected regions.
To further support the community, twenty-five teams of veterinary doctors have been organized to ensure livestock welfare in the flooded areas.
Badal urged both the Centre and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government to implement a loan waiver for all flood-impacted farmers, asserting that the six-month moratorium on loans is insufficient. He argued that farmers would need two to three years to recover fully from their losses.
He also requested an increase in the ex-gratia for loss of life to Rs 10 lakh per victim, as opposed to the Rs 4 lakh that has been proposed. Additionally, he demanded Rs 1 lakh in compensation for each lost animal and support for all damaged homes. He insisted that compensation for crop losses should be awarded to both landowners and lessees, and that those farming on 'kutcha' lands should also be compensated.