Crop loss compensation hiked to Rs15,000 per acre

Tribune News Service

Karnal, November 8

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Monday increased the compensation to Rs 15,000 per acre from Rs 12,000 per acre for 75 per cent or above loss to crops and Rs 12,500 from Rs 10,000 for a loss of 50 per cent crops.

For the remaining categories of loss, the CM announced to increase it by 25 per cent.

While inaugurating the new Karnal Cooperative Sugar Mill on Meerut road, constructed at the cost of Rs 263 crore, the CM opened the new crushing season of the mill. “The Haryana Government is extending maximum compensation to farmers for the loss to crops, but for the past few years, the compensation was not hiked. So today, we have increased it,” said the Chief Minister.

Khattar appealed to farmers to get their crop insured and said that the government had announced two days back that farmers having up to two acres would not have to pay the premium for the insurance.

The government will pay half the premium of the farmers having 2-5 acres. The farmers having five acres or more will have to pay the premium on their own. Reacting to the demand of the employees of the sugar mill, the CM also announced to raise the laundry allowance to Rs 100 per month from Rs 25 per month. He assured to consider the ex-gratia policy for the employees.

Accompanied by Karnal MP Sanjay Bhatia, Haryana Cooperation Minister Dr Banwari Lal, Sugarfed chairman Ram Karan Kala, Gharaunda MLA Harvinder Kalyan, Mayor Renu Bala Gupta, Indri MLA Ram Kumar Kashyap and Nilokheri MLA Dharampal Gonder, the CM said now the crushing capacity of the mill has increased to 3,500 tonnes crushed per day (TCD) from 2,200 TCD. The capacity of the mill would be further expanded to 5,000 TCD.

The mill would also generate 18 MW power. Of that, 13 MW will be sold to the Power Corporation, he said.