Agartala: A delegation from the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) on Monday met with Tripura agriculture director Sharadindu Das, urging compensation for over one lakh farmers across the state who suffered severe losses due to Cyclone Midhili on November 17.
Representing the delegation, AIKS Secretary Pabitra Kar presented a five-point charter of demands.
Kar stated that approximately one lakh farmers at all levels in the state have incurred significant losses due to untimely rains and cyclones. The impact on produce, including vegetables and other agricultural products, raises concerns about potential shortages in the state's markets, leading to a potential crisis for farmers and consumers alike.
Kar explained, "We have demanded the state agriculture department stand by the farmers at this critical moment."
The five-point demands include the formation of a special team by the agriculture department to promptly assess farmers' losses, immediate financial assistance for affected farmers to support the cultivation of seasonal paddy and vegetables, financial aid from the Disaster Management Fund, provision of all agricultural support (seeds, essential fertilizers, pesticides) free of cost, free provision of all irrigation facilities, and the implementation of LI and DWT schemes.
Kar accused the Meteorological Department in Agartala of issuing an irresponsible bulletin and blamed the State Agriculture Department for failing to prevent the significant damage caused by the Midhili Cyclone and subsequent rains.
"With paddy harvesting underway, farmers in the state have suffered massive losses in agricultural crops due to untimely rains. Vegetable cultivation has been completely destroyed," asserted Kar, noting the widespread water crisis resulting from a damaged power system across the state.
Kar said that the agriculture director listened patiently to all the issues raised and assured swift and effective action.
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