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Key Points

The Shiromani Akali Dal has launched a comprehensive flood relief operation in Punjab, targeting agricultural recovery and family support. Sukhbir Badal personally flagged off 100 trucks of maize silage to address livestock fodder shortages in flood-affected districts. The party plans to distribute wheat to 50,000 poor families and certified seeds across 2 lakh acres of land. Badal has also appealed to other political parties and citizens to support Punjab's farmers during this critical time.

Key Points: Sukhbir Badal Launches Punjab Flood Relief Maize Silage Mission

  • Akali Dal provides fodder and wheat for 50,000 flood-hit families
  • Party plans distribution of certified seeds for 2 lakh acres
  • Badal calls for government support in flood relief efforts
  • Volunteers to assist farmers in agricultural recovery
2 min read

Akali Dal chief flags off 100 trucks of maize silage for flood-hit areas of Punjab

Akali Dal chief dispatches 100 trucks of maize silage and wheat support for flood-affected Punjab farmers and families

"We are committed to assisting the farmers and the 'khet mazdoor' to stand back on their feet - Sukhbir Badal"

Chandigarh, Sep 20

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Badal on Saturday flagged off 100 trucks of maize silage for distribution in Gurdaspur and Jalandhar districts to serve as fodder for livestock.

He said the party would distribute wheat to 50,000 poor flood-affected families for the next one month. Addressing the media after flagging off trucks at the grain market here, the SAD president said party observers, who had visited flood-hit areas, reported severe shortage of fodder for livestock, and accordingly, the party had decided to procure maize silage for distribution.

He said simultaneously, poor people had reported that they were short of rations due to loss of livelihood for one month. "Accordingly, we have decided to provide wheat to 50,000 families." Badal also announced that the party and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) would each distribute certified seed for 1 lakh acres of land.

"With the SAD and the SGPC taking on the responsibility of distributing certified seed for 2 lakh acres of land, I appeal to the Punjab government to distribute seed in the remaining two lakh acres of land affected by the floods to cover the entire affected area." He said the state government should also take on the responsibility of distributing DAP free of cost to all farmers across the affected 4 lakh acres of land, besides contributing to clearing the land of sand by deputing tractors for this purpose.

Badal said the Akali Dal on its part would also initiate the "tractor sewa" soon, during the course of which it would provide diesel free of cost for clearing sand from flooded agricultural land. Saying that the party had established a monitoring committee for regulating the entire flood relief operation, Badal said, "We are committed to assisting the farmers and the 'khet mazdoor' (farm labourers) stand back on their feet. Akali volunteers will work side by side with them to bring their fields back to normal".

He also appealed to other political parties and countrymen to help the flood-stricken farmers of Punjab. "The Khalsa Panth and Punjabis have reached out to help countrymen afflicted by natural calamities across the country. Now is the time to help Punjabis in their hour of crisis," he added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Finally some relief for the animals! Many farmers were worried about feeding their cattle after the floods. Maize silage distribution is much needed. Hope other parties also contribute.
M
Michael C
While the relief efforts are commendable, I hope there's proper monitoring to ensure help reaches the actual affected families. Sometimes political relief becomes more about publicity than actual help.
G
Gaurav U
The tractor seva and free diesel initiative is brilliant! Clearing sand from fields is the biggest challenge right now. This will help farmers prepare for the next sowing season 👍
N
Neha E
Wheat for 50,000 families for a month is a massive undertaking. Hope they coordinate with local gurdwaras and NGOs to ensure efficient distribution. Punjabis always stand together in tough times!
A
Ashwin V
The certified seeds for 2 lakh acres is a game-changer. Without good seeds, the next crop will fail too. Smart thinking to partner with SGPC for this. Hope state government responds to the appeal for remaining land.
S
Sarah B
It's heartening to see political parties putting aside differences during natural calamities. The focus should be on helping people recover, not scoring political points. Well done SAD for taking initiative.

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