KARACHI: Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon said that providing relief to farmers is first priority of Sindh government so that they could be able to sow crops of upcoming season. In a statement issued here he said that recent heavy rains, besides destroying standing crops inflicted damages to 3,773,707 acres out of 4,070,614 acres cultivable land in province.

He said that Sindh government has fixed support price for new wheat crop at Rs 4,000 per 40 kg to provide relief to farmers. Apart from this, steps were being taken to defer recovery of agricultural loans, he added.

Sindh government has formed committees to collect accurate data on damages and those committees would start their survey from coming Monday, he informed. Water level at two barrages on Indus River in Sindh has receded below 100,000 cusec as inflow at Guddu Barrage was recorded at 87,300 cusec and outflow at 76,000 cusec while inflow and outflow at Sukkur Barrage was recorded 92200 and 82000 cusec respectively.

He said inflow at Kotri Barrage was 203,100 cusec and outflow 199,300 cusec. He said that flood water from some areas has been drained out and IDPs have started returning to their homes. Victims from government schools in different areas of Hyderabad like UC Tando Hyder, UC Musa Khatian and other areas had returned to their homes, he added.

District administration was providing transport facilities, tents and rations to the victims returning to their homes from relief camp, Sharjeel said.

He said that relief activities were continue and 295,093 tents, 281,669 plastic tarpaulins, 2,309,809 mosquito nets, 749,762 litres of mineral water, 40,575 jerry cans, 7,579 pillows, 4,620 bed sheets and other relief materials have been provided to flood affected people while ration bags have been given to 777120 families.

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 24 2022

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