In Bihar floods, farmers lose crops, homes; stare at a bleak future

Due to floods, several farmers of Bihar have lost all their crops.

Patna, Sep 1: This year, farmers of flood-hit Bihar are bearing the worst brunt of nature's fury as rainwaters destroyed hundreds of acres of croplands across the state.

With their fields inundated in floodwaters and no crops to harvest, the farmers of Bihar have lost their only source of livelihood. However, what makes the conditions of farmers in the state further miserable is the alleged apathy of the state government towards their plight.

Farmers after farmers in various districts of the state don't know what future holds for them as no one is there to address their problems.

"There is no relief from the government till date. Almost everything has been destroyed by floods in the village. I have lost all my standing crops and my house too has been submerged in floodwaters. We somehow managed to survive," Shiv Shankar Singh, a farmer from Muzaffarpur, told ANI.

Another farmer from Muzaffarpur said that crops were destroyed after Rajawada dam was breached. The farmer, who toiled in his land to cultivate paddy, maize, vegetables and bananas, has lost all his crops in floods.

"I had paddy, maize and vegetables in five acres of land. Everything has been washed away in floods. I don't know how things will work if government doesn't help," said another farmer.

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the state to take stock of the flood situation in the state. Modi along with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar conducted an aerial survey of flood-hit areas of the state. The PM announced Rs 500 crore relief package for the flood-hit state.

However, it looks like relief funds said to have been disbursed by the government are yet to reach people on the ground.

A total of 514 people have lost their lives in floods that have hit 19 districts in the state. As per reports, flood situation is said to have been improved in parts of the state.

Witnessing the massive devastation, several people from across the country have offered help to the affected people of the state.

Bollywood star Aamir Khan has sent a cheque of Rs 25 lakh on behalf of his film production company, Aamir Khan Productions Ltd, an official statement said.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Rajya Sabha member CP Thakur donated Rs 20 lakh from his MPLAD fund for relief work in Sahebganj and Paru blocks of Muzaffarpur. Several other MLAs and former legislators also contributed to the flood relief work.

But till the time relief measures don't reach the needy, donation of money by celebrities like Aamir Khan is not going to help anyone.

OneIndia News