Rahul raises issue of rain-hit farmers, Centre promises help

Hours after Rahul Gandhi sought urgent steps to help farmers hit by rains and hailstorm, the government on Monday assured necessary action after getting reports from the affected states.

Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh told the Lok Sabha that reports from states about damage to crops by heavy rains and hailstorm over the weekend are expected in 3-4 days. The Centre would take necessary action after getting reports from the states, Singh said, adding that he has already spoken to the Agriculture Ministers of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.

He also said that necessary help would be extended after assessing the extent of damages in different areas.

Singh said around 264 villages have been affected by hailstorms and heavy rains in Madhya Pradesh. Rains and hailstorm lashed several parts of North India including Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana over the weekend and on Monday. “Our team is ready and we will take (necessary) action”, Singh said.