Patna: Tejashwi Yadav, leader of the opposition in Bihar, has written to chief minister Nitish Kumar calling for an immediate halt to agricultural loan recovery and financial compensation for families affected by recent storms, unseasonal rains and hailstorms across the state.
In his letter, the Rashtriya Janata Dal leader said widespread crop damage had been reported in several districts, with wheat, maize and pulses among the worst affected. He also highlighted losses to mango and litchi orchards caused by strong winds and hail, alongside reports of fatalities linked to lightning strikes and storm-related incidents.
बिहार के विभिन्न जिलों में हुए ओलावृष्टि और बेमौसम की बारिश से गेहूँ, मकई, दलहन की फसल एवं आम व लीची के पेड़ों को हुई क्षति को देखते हुए मा० नेता प्रतिपक्ष श्री @yadavtejashwi जी ने मा० मुख्यमंत्री, बिहार श्री नीतीश कुमार जी से आग्रह किया है कि अन्नदाता किसान भाइयों एवं कृषि पर… pic.twitter.com/8OBf4oKY2w
— Rashtriya Janata Dal (@RJDforIndia) March 24, 2026
Yadav urged the government to carry out swift, on-ground assessments of the affected areas and ensure that compensation is delivered directly to beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). He also called for a moratorium on loan recovery for farmers and landless labourers dependent on agricultural work, arguing that immediate relief was necessary to prevent further distress.
The opposition leader said families of those who died during the extreme weather should receive prompt compensation, while those injured should be given financial assistance. He further demanded that the application process for crop damage claims be simplified and deadlines extended to ensure that no affected individual is excluded.
As part of emergency relief measures, Yadav proposed the free distribution of seeds, fertilisers and other essential inputs to help farmers recover. He urged the chief minister to treat the situation with urgency and announce relief measures without delay.
Large parts of Bihar experienced severe weather last week, with storms and heavy rains flattening standing crops across regions including Kosi, Seemanchal and north and south Bihar. Local authorities are currently assessing the scale of the damage, with relief expected to be disbursed in line with existing government norms.
