KONDHALI, Dec 2: Farmers, already in debt, faced nature's wrath for the second time in a month when hailstorms and gusty winds lashed this fertile region known for its orange orchards, cotton and rice. The cotton crop has been almost wiped out while chana, wheat, jowar and tur have been badly-affected. Although farmers are used to the orange crop falling prey to hailstorms, conditions are worse this time.

The only consolation for farmers is that their case has been taken up by the Katol Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee. The APMC headed by Tarachand Gotmare, Kondhali APMC Vice Chairman Neelkanthrao Dhore, Member Mohan Khale and Kamptee Sarpanch Barange have demanded that the state government write off farmers' loans and grant them 100 per cent subsidy on power tariff.

Nothing has been granted so far. Excessive rains have caused electric and diesel pumps on the river banks to be washed away, financially ruining farmers.

Tumsar region was hit by rains all through last week. Ironically, the region was reeling under a prolonged dry spell earlier. The unpredictable climate has ruined the rice crop.

Agriculturists surmise that farmers could, with difficulty, revive ten per cent of the crop. People are alarmed that their houses have developed cracks that may widen if another spell of rains hits the region. In Sindi, the soyabean, tur, jowar and cotton crop have been damaged. Pestilence worsened the problem and the use of costly insecticides and sprays proved futile.

Survival appears grim for farmers who have to settle their debts to credit co-operative societies and money-lenders. Steady rains have disrupted normal life in Akola, destroying crops and bringing traffic on the Highways to a standstill. Jowar, bajri and maka crops on 12,140 hectare of land were completely destroyed. The loss has severely hit farmers, already suffering due to administrative apathy and unsympathetic loan sharks. District officials have surveyed the situation and offered customary assurances.

Will the administration pay heed to their grievance?

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.