HM Ensures Kidu Support to all Affected Farmers

However, some farmers have refused help stating His Majesty is already burdened by the pandemic

By Phurpa Wangmo

In the aftermath of the rains that has put a huge dent on the year’s paddy yields, Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering, upon Royal command, met with the affected farmers of Paro, Punakha and Wangdiphodrang this week.

Lyonchhen conveyed that His Majesty The King will personally compensate all affected families and farmers who were caught off-guard by the untimely rains which affected farmers in almost 13 districts.

Paro is the hardest hit district with over 900 families affected. According to the latest reports gathered by the dzongkhag agriculture office, nearly 200 truckloads of rice were said to be damaged in Paro.

Lyonchhen said His Majesty is aware of the farmer’s plights and is gravely saddened by the news.

“His majesty said that he won’t leave any one without compensation. The Gyalpoi Zimpon Office will coordinate with the dzongkhag and gewog office for proper assessment,” PM Dr Lotay Tshering said.

Meanwhile, the 13 dzongkhags who have been affected are carrying out proper assessments of the extent of damage caused by the recent rains.

About 800 acres of paddy were damaged in Paro dzongkhag alone making it the dzongkhag which was worst hit. It is followed by Samtse where about 500 acres were reportedly damaged while Punakha dzongkag also reported losses mounting to more than 350 acres.

While a majority, or none, of the farmers had insured their crops, Lyonchhen ensured that His Majesty the King has commanded not to leave a single affected farmer and ensure that everyone is properly compensated and cared for.

However, some farmers in Paro, while thanking this noble gesture, refused to accept the help stating that His Majesty is already overburdened by the pandemic and other grave issues at hand.

“Our King is our ultimate savior. However, how can we accept help at this juncture when His Majesty is already overburdened by the affairs of the country? With His Majesty’s love and guidance we will prevail over this predicament as no natural disaster is bigger than our will to overcome and remain as one,” Tshering Wangchuk, a farmer from Geptey said.