Hailstorm destroyed crops worth ₹6 crore: Zakir Hussain
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, May 24 2024:
Additional director (horticulture and soil conservation) Zakir Hussain has informed that the hailstorm which hit several parts of the state on May 5 afternoon destroyed vegetables and standing crops worth Rs 6 crore in seven districts.
Talking to media persons at the Sanjenthong office of the Directorate of Horticulture and Soil Conservation, on Friday, Zakir Hussain informed that the May 5 hailstorm accompanied by strong wind destroyed crops planted in 283 hectares of land by 1006 farmers in Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Kangpokpi, Noney and Jiribam districts.
To compensate the affected farmers at least to some extent, district level officers of the directorate started assessment from May 6 onwards under the initiative of chief minister N Biren Singh, and supervision of commissioner (horticulture and soil conservation) T Panmei and director K Devdutta.
The assessment continued till May 10 with active participation of director Devdutta, Jakir Hussain said, adding that assessment was done at major fields and did not cover small areas.
According to Zakir Hussain, majority of crops destroyed by the hailstorm were watermelon, pumpkin, beans, cabbage, king chilli (U-Morok), bottle gourd and ash gourd.
These crops worth around Rs 6 crore were destroyed by the hailstorm for which the directorate has submitted a proposal to the government for extending compensation to the tune of Rs 20,000 per hectare, Rs 16,000 for half hectare and Rs 10,000 for quarter hectare.
He also expressed hope that the government would accept proposal of the directorate and chief minister N Biren Singh will surely compensate the affected farmers.