Surat Farmers Demand Compensation for Crop Damage from Unseasonal Rains and Winds

Strong winds accompanied by unseasonal rains wreaked havoc in Surat district on the night of May 13, causing widespread devastation in various areas. The inclement weather has resulted in extensive damage to farmers' crops, including paddy, vegetables, and horticulture produce.

The ready paddy crop, which was in the harvesting stage, has been particularly affected, with fields drenched in rainwater. This has led to significant financial losses for farmers. Additionally, horticulture crops such as mango, sapota, banana, and papaya have suffered damage.

The impact of the strong winds has also been felt on the district's trees, with many being uprooted or broken, and crops being scattered on the ground. Vegetable crops have been destroyed, compounding the woes of the agricultural community.

Expressing their distress, farmers have called on the government to provide compensation for their losses. Darshan Nayak, a prominent farmer and cooperative leader in Surat, along with being the Gujarat State Congress general secretary, has submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, urging for an immediate survey to assess the damage. Nayak emphasized the need for prompt compensation to the affected farmers, highlighting the urgency of the situation.