Migrant workers boon to farmers

The farmers in Kodagu are heaving a sigh of relief because flood victims are coming in large numbers to the region seeking farm works, at a juncture when the local farmers were struggling to get labourers to do the farm works. The migrant workers have been welcomed by the local farmers whole heartedly. Many farmers here have given them shelter and fixed Rs 120 per day as their wage so that these victims of natural disaster can rebuild their homes, life and dreams.

“We have lost our crops and house. All our cattle have died. We are leading lives like animals after floods washed away our property back home. Despite owning acres of land, we are destined to live as farm workers.The Government claims that it has given relief to us but that confines to television and papers alone. It has not happened in reality,” says Murthy who adds that while they have lost property worth Rs 50,000 and above they have been given relief amount of Rs 500 to Rs 1000 to avail which they have shelled out over Rs 300 as bribe.

While the shortage of farm workers is slowly being tackled, the frequent drizzles in the region has become a cause of concern for farmers. The paddy crops are fit to be reaped by the farmers are unable to cut the crops due to moist, cloudy weather. The paddy have started germinating in the field due to the frequent rains too.