Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh: Thousands of farmers in Madhya Pradesh are staring at major losses after unseasonal rain last month caused massive damage to their crops.
NDTV travelled to the remote villages and farmlands of Malhargarh tehsil, one of the worst-affected areas of the Mandsaur district. Of the 180-odd villages in Malhargarh tehsil, crop in over 100 villages have been ruined. Frustrated with farming losses, gen next is now exploring other options.
"I have two bighas of land and the unseasonal rains have destroyed the isabgol crop. My sons are working as mechanics as there is no profit in farming anymore. There are about 250 houses in Harsol of which youngsters from at least 40 houses are looking for alternative means of livelihood," said farmer Shaheed Khan.
The Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led BJP government in the state says the compensation package is being worked out and a survey is being conducted, but given the desperate situation and the endless uncertainty over rain, many farmers have lost all hope and are preparing for the difficult days ahead.
Farmer Rajesh Patidar had sown isabgol on 12 bighas - what remains after unseasonal rain is the damaged crop with yield less than the seeds that were sown. He claims surveyors skip remote areas.
"The survey being conducted is a formality, the patwari does not take pains to come to farms which are in remote areas. I have not received any compensation for crops that were damaged in 2013 and 2014," says Mr Patidar.
Paras Manara, Tehsildar, Malhargarh, told NDTV, "In Malhargarh, 7945 farmers have been affected by unseasonal rain; in 2873 hectares psyllium crop has been affected, we have asked for a relief package of Rs 5 crore, will distribute to farmers soonest."