Ratia: Farmers across several villages in the Ratia Assembly constituency have suffered significant losses after a severe hailstorm struck the area on the night of October 24, damaging standing paddy crops. With some fields reportedly suffering extensive destruction close to harvest time, former Ratia MLA Laxman Napa has urged the Haryana Chief Minister to provide urgent relief to affected farmers.
In a letter to the Chief Minister, Napa called for the early reopening of the e-Kshatipurti portal, special crop-loss assessments in affected villages and appropriate compensation based on the actual extent of damage.
Hailstorm damages crops across several villages
Napa said the hailstorm had caused widespread damage in Hadoli, Rattakhera, Jallopur, Neemri, Dadupur, Dadupur Dhani, Lali, Hukamwali, Bharpur and several neighbouring villages.
He pointed out that farmers had invested considerable time, effort and money in cultivating their paddy crops. The hailstorm, which struck shortly before harvesting, had severely affected their prospects and left many families facing financial uncertainty.
Former MLA inspects damaged fields in Rattakhera
Napa said he personally visited agricultural fields in Rattakhera with local farmers to assess the damage caused by the hailstorm. He described the condition of several fields as worrying, with some areas reportedly experiencing extensive crop losses.
He stressed that farmers were already dealing with rising agricultural expenses, including the costs of fertilisers, seeds, diesel, labour and other essential inputs. Further losses caused by the natural disaster could deepen their financial difficulties if timely government assistance was not provided.
Demand for e-Kshatipurti portal and special crop assessment
Napa urged the state government to open the e-Kshatipurti portal at the earliest so affected farmers could register details of their crop losses and seek relief.
He also called for special girdawari inspections in the affected villages, asking the relevant departments to assess the damage directly in the fields and ensure that the process remained fair and accurate.
According to Napa, officials must carefully document the extent of damage and avoid negligence during the assessment. Farmers whose crops have suffered substantial losses should receive compensation in accordance with the applicable rules.
Timely government support essential for farmers
The former MLA said providing relief to farmers during natural disasters should be a priority for the government. He expressed hope that the Chief Minister would take the matter seriously and direct the concerned officials to act without delay.
Napa added that timely compensation would help affected families manage their immediate financial difficulties and prepare for the next agricultural season.
