Valsad MP Urges Immediate Crop Damage Compensation for Flood-Hit Farmers

Valsad/Dang |  Gujarat — Farmers in the tribal belts of Valsad and Dang districts are reeling from severe crop losses following the floods and unseasonal rains that struck the region during the Diwali festival. The torrential downpour washed away standing paddy crops, leaving thousands of farmers in financial distress and without hope of recovery.

Taking cognisance of the situation, Valsad MP Dhaval Patel has written a formal letter to State Agriculture Minister Jitu Vaghani, urging immediate disbursal of crop damage compensation for the affected farmers.

In his letter, Patel highlighted that a cyclonic circulation over the Arabian Sea caused heavy and unseasonal rainfall across several talukas of the Valsad Lok Sabha constituency. This unexpected spell, known locally as Mavatha, drenched the ripened paddy crops just before harvest. As a result, farmers have suffered massive financial losses, particularly in the tribal-dominated regions where agriculture is the primary source of livelihood.

“The paddy crops, which are the backbone of the local economy, have been completely soaked and destroyed. Most farmers in Valsad and Dang depend solely on paddy for their sustenance. Immediate financial aid is the only way to bring them relief,” Patel stated in his letter.

The MP urged the Agriculture Department to conduct a comprehensive field survey of affected farms and to promptly announce an appropriate financial assistance and relief package. He emphasised that early government action would prevent further hardship for already vulnerable farming families.

Patel also recalled that he had previously recommended compensation for farmers hit by heavy monsoon rains earlier this year. Following his intervention, the state government had released relief funds for the victims.

Given the recurring climatic disruptions, Patel called for a sustainable long-term crop insurance mechanism and enhanced disaster preparedness for the agricultural sector in South Gujarat.

As the damaged fields dry up, the sight of flattened paddy stalks continues to haunt farmers who had pinned their hopes on a profitable Diwali harvest. Many are now anxiously waiting for the government’s response to restore their livelihoods.