Did Akali Dal Chief Flag Off 100 Trucks of Maize Silage for Flood-Hit Punjab?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 100 trucks of maize silage launched for livestock support.
- 50,000 families to receive wheat assistance.
- Collaboration with SGPC for seed distribution.
- Establishment of a monitoring committee for flood relief.
- ‘Tractor sewa’ initiative to help clear flooded fields.
Chandigarh, Sep 20 (NationPress) The President of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Sukhbir Badal, on Saturday initiated the dispatch of 100 trucks of maize silage aimed at aiding livestock in the Gurdaspur and Jalandhar districts. This initiative is part of the party's broader relief efforts for those impacted by recent floods.
Badal stated that the party would also provide wheat to 50,000 impoverished families affected by the floods over the next month. Speaking to reporters after the truck flag-off at the local grain market, he highlighted that observers from the SAD who toured the flood-affected regions reported a significant shortage of fodder for livestock, prompting the decision to procure and distribute maize silage.
He added that the flood victims have expressed a dire need for food supplies due to lost incomes over the past month. “Thus, we have resolved to assist 50,000 families with wheat provisions,” Badal announced. Furthermore, he indicated that the SAD, along with the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), would distribute certified seeds covering a total of 1 lakh acres of farmland.
“With our efforts combined for the distribution of certified seeds across 2 lakh acres, I urge the Punjab government to extend similar support for the remaining 2 lakh acres impacted by the floods,” he expressed. He emphasized that the government should also facilitate the free distribution of DAP fertilizers and assist farmers in clearing sand from flooded fields using tractors.
Badal committed that the Akali Dal will soon launch a ‘tractor sewa’ initiative, offering free diesel for sand-clearing operations on flooded agricultural lands. He announced the establishment of a monitoring committee dedicated to overseeing the relief efforts, stating, “We are determined to help farmers and the khet mazdoor regain their footing. Our volunteers will work alongside them to restore their fields to normalcy.”
He made an appeal to other political entities and citizens to join in supporting the flood-affected farmers in Punjab. “The Khalsa Panth and Punjabis have consistently assisted those suffering from natural disasters nationwide. It is now crucial to stand with our fellow Punjabis during this challenging time,” he added.