Yogendra Yadav appeals for relief to drought-hit UP farmers

Agra: National convener of Jai Kisan Andolan, Yogendra Yadav on Tuesday called for prompt relief work to be undertaken to help drought-hit farmers in more than 17 districts of Uttar Pradesh.

He also wrote to UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav saying that the entire state should be declared drought-hit.

Conditions in the rural areas are worrisome and large sections of the farming community have been adversely affected by the shortfall in rainfall this monsoon season, which was more than 45 per cent, he said at a press briefing here.

Leading a 'Samvedna Yatra' through the drought-hit areas, Yadav, the leader of Swaraj Abhiyan, formed after he had parted ways with Aam Aadmi Party, also said there was an urgent need for developing cattle cantonments across the state to provide fodder at subsidised rates.

He also said that compensation of Rs 20,000 per acre and 60kg foodgrains per ration card should be immediately provided to the drought-hit.