MLA Kathua assesses crop damage due to windstorm, promises compensation

MLA Kathua Dr Bharat Bhushan along with officers of Agriculture Department assessing paddy crop damage in his constituency.
MLA Kathua Dr Bharat Bhushan along with officers of Agriculture Department assessing paddy crop damage in his constituency.

Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, Oct 13: MLA Kathua Dr Bharat Bhushan visited several villages in his constituency today to assess the extensive damage caused to paddy crops by a recent windstorm. The villages of Changran, Chack Sardar Desa Singh and Khokhyal were among the hardest hit, with significant crop losses reported.
Accompanied by Joint Director (Extension) Jammu, Satish Sharma and Chief Agriculture Officer Kathua, Sanjeev Rai, the MLA inspected the damaged fields firsthand. Various other officials from the Agriculture Department were also present during the visit to provide technical support and evaluate the scale of the damage.
Local farmer leader and former Sarpanch Karan Singh along with several farmers from nearby areas expressed their concerns about the losses they have incurred. The farmers reported that the strong winds had lodged the paddy crops, leading to irreversible damage right before harvest. They appealed to the MLA for immediate compensation to help them recover from the unexpected financial burden.
Responding to their concerns, Dr Bharat Bhushan directed the officials to conduct a detailed and swift assessment of the damage. He assured the farmers that the process of filing compensation claims would be expedited. “The Government stands with you during this difficult time. We will ensure that the affected farmers receive adequate compensation as soon as possible,” the MLA said.