Farmers protest in Sirsa, demand insurance claims, better support

A farmers’ meeting was held under the leadership of the Bhartiya Kisan Ekta (BKE) state president, Lakhwinder Singh Aulakh, at the Jat Dharamshala. here today. Following the meeting, the farmers marched to the Lead District Manager (LDM) office in Rori Bazaar, blocking the traffic for two hours.

‘Crop damage reported for only 93 villages’

Bhartiya Kisan Ekta (BKE) state president Lakhwinder Singh Aulakh criticised the department for reporting crop damage in only 93 villages out of all affected areas, and for undervaluing the damage in these villages. He said the claims for Ghukkamwali, Rajpura and Nehrana villages were pending. He also highlighted that thousands of farmers were receiving refunds instead of their due insurance claims.

Aulakh addressing the farmers said last year, banks deducted the insurance premium for kharif crops from the farmers’ accounts on July 31, 2023. This year, the cotton crop was devastated by pink bollworm. Despite this, Agriculture Insurance Company, banks and the Agriculture Department have been slow in processing claims. Instead of paying out claims, they are returning the paid premiums to the farmers due to the alleged procedural delays.

Aulakh criticised the department for reporting crop damage in only 93 villages out of all affected areas, and for undervaluing the damage in these villages. He said the claims for Ghukkamwali, Rajpura and Nehrana villages were pending. He also highlighted that thousands of farmers were receiving refunds instead of their due insurance claims, including 16,405 farmers from the SBI. Aulakh emphasised that today’s protest included a blockade of the SBI district headquarters.

Regarding the compensation for the kharif crops 2020, Aulakh stated that approximately Rs 65 crore had been released by the government but had not yet reached the farmers’ accounts. He noted that the funds had previously been withdrawn from the treasuries and was concerned that this might happen again.

With the Rabi season approaching, Aulakh urged for adequate availability of DAP fertiliser and timely provision of urea. He also criticised the sale of fake and low-quality pesticides and fertilisers, leading to the suspension of licences of several companies. The farmers were advised to be vigilant and ask for bills while making purchases.

Aulakh reminded the farmers that the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections required them to maintain unity and focus on challenging anti-farmer policies rather than supporting or opposing specific parties. He emphasised that their struggle was against the policies that harmed the farmers, not against individuals or political parties.

The demonstration led to discussions with several officials, including SBI Regional Manager Rajeev Ranjan, CM Credit RBO Ashish Agarwal, LDM Sanjeev Kumar, Punjab National Bank’s Sunil Kukreja, Deputy Agriculture Director Sukhdev Singh Kamboj, and ASO Satbir Kumar.

The farmers have given these officials one week to resolve their issues. If no solution is provided within the time, they plan to set up a camp at the Agriculture Deputy Director’s office.