Waive off loan: Farmers want drought compensation free from corruption, nepotism
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 04 2019: Drought affected farmers on Wednesday demanded waiver of farmers' loan and timely distribution of compensation for damaged crops 'free from all form of corruption and nepotism'.

The farmers brought up the demands at a farmers' meet held at Manipur Press Club, Imphal organised by the Irabot Foundation Manipur (IFM).

Speaking at the event, IFM secretary general Kh Gopen said that the drought this year in the State is due to scanty rains plus prolonged lack of proper policy and irrigation facilities.

Event though drought declared by the State is late, farmers welcome the decision, he said expressing that the declaration would be justified only when the assistance provided by the Centre is utilised effectively and efficiently.

"As the State has declared drought, Centre may soon provide monetary assistance and other relief materials.

Waive off loan: Farmers want drought compensation free from corruption, nepotism

The aids provided by the Centre should reach all affected farmers efficiently.

Authorities and implementing departments concerned should work sincerely to ensure that all aids reach the affected farmers.

If the aids do not reach the farmers, then it will affect not only them but also the State as a whole," he said.

"As aids could not solve or prevent drought, we must inspect the various projects inducted and established in the State for irrigation purposes.

We must investigate whether dams such as Khuga dam, Loktak Project and others are serving proposed purpose effectively.

Effective irrigation projects, schemes and suitable policy are the only lasting solutions to drought," Gopen pointed out.

The meet adopted several resolutions addressed to the Governor for farmers' welfare.

It resolved that authorities concerned should ensure full assessment of impact of drought and coverage of all affected farmers.

Government should ensure that no farmers in hills and valley are left out.

Affected farmers should be provided necessary compensation and other livelihood and rehabilitation measures timely for the loss of their crops.

They should also be provided free water, electricity and free education for all their children in schools, colleges and universities, a resolution read.

The distribution and provision of crop compensation and other livelihood measures should be free from all forms of corruption, nepotism, favouritism and manipulation.

Grievance cell should be established to address the grievances of the affected farmers.

Civil society organisations should be allowed to participate in assessment of impacts of drought in all districts.

Government should take urgent steps to ensure that canals , irrigation projects like Dolaithabi Barrage, Khuga dam, Singda dam, Loktak projects are functioning properly, the resolutions said.

The farmers' meet demanded formation of a committee with the involvement of CSOs to monitor and assess the functioning of Minor Irrigation Projects taken up by various departments of the Government.

It also demanded waiver of farmers' loan, farmers' policy and a water policy to ensure rejuvenation and adequate storage of water in all water bodies.

The discussion was attended by president Irabot Foundation Manipur (IFM) Thongam Ajit, president CRAM L Sanaton, president AMUCO K Khelen, president AMWOVA Y Kunjarani, president AMESCO BK Moirangcha, president NRC S Sunilkanta, president COHR Phulindro Konsam and president Poirei Leimarol Apunba Meira Paibi Lup L Memchoubi as presidium members.