Haryana releases 96% wheat payment to farmers: Minister Ram Bilas Sharma

CHANDIGARH: Haryana Food and Supplies Minister Ram Bilas Sharma today said 96 per cent payment for wheat, amounting to Rs 8,586 crore has been released to farmers by the department and state procurement agencies.

He said that 63,26,064 metric tonnes of wheat had been purchased by government procurement agencies up to May 6 at minimum support price of Rs 1,450 per quintal despite the luster loss or value cut.

"The present BJP government has given the maximum relief to the farmers in the hour of crises (due to unseasonal rains and hailstorm which lashed the state in March/April resulting in heavy crop damage)," Sharma told reporters here.

He said the state government had announced a compensation of Rs 1,092 crore for crop loss which is being disbursed smoothly in the entire state.

When asked if the state would provide any assistance to families of those farmers who have reportedly committed suicides because of being unable to stand crop damage caused by unseasonal rains, Sharma replied, "the government will consider the issue...it is a matter of great concern (reports of farmers committing suicides)".