Intense heat wave affects wheat production in Punjab

Amritsar, Apr 22 (ANI): The farmers of Amritsar have incurred losses of over 20 percent of their wheat harvest due to the intense heat wave sweeping across the State.

The farmers, who farm in the areas next to the International Border with Pakistan, have urged the Central government to pay compensation for the losses they have incurred.

They have demanded that the heat wave be declared as a 'national calamity' and said that the government should understand the gravity of the situation and help them.

"Of course, if you compare production of wheat, it is 20-25 percent less than the last year. Government should set the formula and also should give us the compensation.

Government always says that production of wheat is less but government should understand the gravity of the situation, and also government itself is not showing any sincere efforts. This policy is long-term policy but government changes this policy every six months," said Gurinderpal Singh Dillon, a farmer.

They also said that they have obtained nearly 1,600 kilograms of wheat from one acre of land, instead of the usual 2,000 Kg.

"We are expecting a lot from the government, that they should give us bonus of 500 rupees on each quintal (100 kilos). We are expecting that anyhow we get compensation of the losses incurred," said Pritam Singh, another farmer.

Production of wheat in Punjab was expected to cross 16 million tonnes but has not even touched the 14 million-mark due to loss in production. (ANI)