Prayagraj begins survey to provide relief to farmers hit by excess rain

Prayagraj is among 10 districts in Uttar Pradesh that have received more than 120% of their normal rainfall during the current monsoon

: The agriculture department has begun a survey to assess crop losses and provide relief to farmers in Prayagraj whose standing crops have been damaged by excessive rainfall.

A water-logged field with destroyed crop of vegetables in Phulpur area of Prayagraj (HT PHOTO)

Prayagraj is among 10 districts in Uttar Pradesh that have received more than 120% of their normal rainfall during the current monsoon. The district normally receives 503 mm of rain between June and August. This year, it has recorded 619.7 mm during the period, around 123% of normal, according to the meteorological department.

The excessive rain has particularly affected agricultural areas prone to waterlogging. The agriculture department estimates that around 15% to 18% of the sown area has suffered crop damage. Paddy crops in 81 villages have also been affected, officials said.

“Vegetable crops have suffered the most because they get damaged after remaining submerged in water for two days. Paddy has also been affected in areas where fields remained waterlogged for several days,” deputy director of agriculture Pawan Kumar Vishwakarma said.

The department is carrying out a survey to assess crop losses and has launched a special awareness campaign to encourage farmers who have not insured their crops to enrol under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana by August 31, he added.

Under the crop insurance mechanism, farmers must report crop damage caused by excessive rain, flooding or waterlogging within 72 hours to the insurance company or agriculture department. They can report losses through the toll-free number 14447 or the crop insurance app. In cases of waterlogging, individual crop-loss assessments are carried out to process claims.

After a loss is reported, revenue officials, agriculture department personnel and insurance company representatives jointly visit affected fields to assess the damage.

For farmers whose crops are not insured, compensation is available from the state disaster relief fund. Under the prescribed norms, farmers are eligible for assistance if 33% or more crop damage is caused by excessive rainfall or flooding. The compensation is transferred directly to eligible farmers’ bank accounts after the damage assessment is completed.

The agriculture department said the ongoing survey would help establish the extent of damage and facilitate relief for affected farmers.

PHOTO: A water-logged field with destroyed crop of vegetables in Phulpur area of Prayagraj (HT)