Farmers in West Bengal seek government aid after cyclone Michaung causes extensive crop damage

Farmers in West Bengal are grappling with substantial losses following six consecutive days of rain triggered by the impact of Cyclone Michaung in the Bay of Bengal. While no casualties were reported, agricultural areas, particularly those cultivating paddy and potatoes, have suffered severe damage. Farmer organizations have urgently appealed to the state government for assistance, expressing concerns about the lack of timely communication and support.

Tapan Das, leader of West Bengal Kisan Congress, emphasized the need for the government to promptly evaluate the extent of the losses and announce compensation measures for affected farmers.Tapan Das highlighted the plight of paddy and potato farmers who bore the brunt of the continuous rainfall.

Despite the six-day downpour, there was no official statement or alert from the state government, leaving farmers in distress. The Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, has urged the Mamata government to provide relief to the affected farmers.

In a letter to Chief Secretary H.K. Dwivedi, Adhikari outlined the challenges faced by potato farmers whose fields were submerged, potentially leading to crop spoilage. He emphasized the lack of awareness campaigns and recommended immediate government assessments, compensation calculations per quintal, reevaluation of loans, and relaxation in repayment processes. Adhikari also suggested obtaining potato seeds from Punjab to support local potato growers. The letter underscored the rising costs of agriculture, exacerbated by fertilizer black marketing, urging the state government to ensure fair pricing for farmers.