Sukhbir Badal Calls for Unity to Support Farmers Affected by Rain Damage

Synopsis

In a critical appeal, Sukhbir Badal of the Shiromani Akali Dal urges Punjabis to rally behind farmers impacted by severe weather. With over 1.25 lakh acres of wheat crops damaged, he outlines plans for relief distribution and criticizes the current government's inaction.

Key Takeaways

Sukhbir Badal urges Punjab to support farmers affected by severe weather.

Over 1.25 lakh acres of wheat crops have been damaged.

A relief plan includes distributing wheat and fodder.

Criticism directed at Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for inaction on compensation.

Plans for free baling services to assist farmers financially.

Chandigarh, April 8 (NationPress) President of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Sukhbir Badal, on Wednesday urged the people of Punjab to come together in support of farmers whose wheat crops have suffered damage across over 1.25 lakh acres due to unexpected rain and hailstorms.

During a meeting with the party’s ‘halka’ in-charges and district presidents, Badal announced that a comprehensive plan is underway to begin the distribution of wheat along with both dry and green fodder to the impacted farmers following April 20.

“We are establishing nodal points for the collection of relief materials, which will then be distributed to the affected villages,” Badal explained.

Additionally, the party is arranging for balers to create bales in the fields of the affected farmers at no cost, allowing them to generate extra income in the process.

He emphasized that the party would also strive to assist small farmers whose vegetable crops have been damaged by the hail.

Badal criticized Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for neglecting his duties towards the suffering farmers. He reminded that the Chief Minister, along with the Aam Aadmi Party, had previously promised, before assuming office in 2022, an advance compensation of Rs 50,000 per acre for crop damage without any prior survey or ‘girdwari’.

He pointed out that the AAP government has not provided any compensation for crop damage following the floods that affected 4 lakh acres last year.

“Now, the government has also declined to assist the distressed farmers by issuing compensation to them,” he stated.

Reaffirming that the Akali Dal will exhaust all efforts for the farmers, Badal also condemned AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal for allegedly deceiving voters during the election campaign in Gujarat, claiming that the AAP government in Punjab had disbursed Rs 50,000 per acre to farmers just one month after they incurred losses due to flooding.

Point of View

The situation highlights significant challenges facing farmers in Punjab due to climate-related impacts. Sukhbir Badal's call for unity reflects a broader concern for agricultural sustainability and the need for effective governmental response to natural disasters affecting livelihoods.

NationPress

11 Jul 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the damage to the wheat crops?

The wheat crops were significantly damaged due to unseasonal rain and hailstorms.

How much land was affected?

Over 1.25 lakh acres of wheat crops were impacted by the weather conditions.

What assistance is being provided to farmers?

Relief distribution of wheat and fodder is planned, along with free baling services for farmers.

Who is responsible for the farmers' compensation?

Sukhbir Badal criticized the AAP government for not fulfilling their promise of compensation for crop damage.

What is the political context of this appeal?