Crops Destroyed, Farmers in Lahaul-Spiti Urge Government to Waive Agricultural Loans

The region, known for cultivating high-value exotic vegetables such as broccoli and lettuce, has been devastated by recent natural disasters.

This year, heavy rains, cloudbursts, and landslides have wiped out crops across Himachal Pradesh’s Lahaul-Spiti district, plunging farmers into a deep financial crisis. Facing unprecedented losses, they have appealed to both the state and central governments to waive their agricultural loans and provide immediate financial relief.

The area, also famous for seasonal produce like cauliflower and peas, has suffered prolonged road blockages due to landslides, preventing farmers from reaching markets. With no means to transport their harvest, large quantities of vegetables rotted in fields. Shocking visuals circulating on social media, particularly Facebook, show heaps of spoiled produce being dumped from trucks and vehicles.

Former district council chairman Ramesh Kumar Rulba described the economic losses as “unprecedented,” saying farmers now find themselves helpless and unable to repay their agricultural loans. “This is not just a financial crisis—it’s about survival,” he stressed.

Outgoing district council chairperson Veena Devi noted that many farmers in the Miyar Valley of Udaipur subdivision are unsure how they will meet their basic food needs during the coming winter. “Vegetable farming is their main source of livelihood. With crops destroyed, they have no income left. It’s a dire situation,” she said, adding that the matter had already been raised with the district administration and local MLA Anuradha Rana.

Former MLA and senior BJP leader Ravi Thakur has also taken up the issue with the central government. He recently met Union Minister of State for Textiles Ajay Tamta, seeking urgent intervention and relief for distressed farmers.

MLA Anuradha Rana said she had submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, demanding a special relief package, free seed distribution, and waiver of loans taken under the Kisan Credit Card scheme. “I have urged the Chief Minister to take up this matter with the central government. He has assured us that every possible step will be taken to support the farmers,” she added.