Deficient rainfall in Punjab is affecting the farming community in the state and the underground water table is also going down tremendously. It may affect the overall yield of crops and lead to less share in the Central pool.To sustain water intensive crops such as paddy, the farmers have been using generators to draw water for their fields and also bearing extra cost to further deepen their tubewells as well. There is 65 per cent deficient rainfall in Punjab till now. Apart from affecting agrarian economy it is also leading to long power cuts .Even Bhakra Beas Management Board has appealed to partner states – Haryana and Rajasthan and other stake holders including farmers to conserve water and use it judiciously. Both Bhakra and Beas dams have remained unfilled to the extent of more than 60 feet below this year as compared to last year.Congress leader, Sukhpal Singh Khaira told AIR that the party has asked for a minimum of 5000 crore rupees package from the Centre for smooth running of farmers’ livelihood. The party has also urged the SAD-BJP govt. in the state to announce a bonus of 100 rupees for the paddy crop.Our correspondent reports that there is 65 per cent deficient rainfall in Punjab till now. It is not only affecting the agrarian economy of the state but is also leading to long power cuts due to less power generation. Even Bhakra Beas Management Board has appealed to partner states – Haryana and Rajasthan and other stake holders including farmers to conserve water and use it judiciously. Both Bhakra and Beas dams have remained unfilled to the extent of more than 60 feet below this year as compared to last year. Keeping in view the overall scenario, state Congress has urged the Centre to give compensation to farmers for all the standing crops in the state. Congress leader, Sukhpal Singh Khaira has told AIR that the party has asked for a minimum of Rs. 5000 crore package from the Centre for smooth running of farmers’ livelihood. The party has also urged the SAD-BJP govt. in the state to announce a bonus of Rs. 100 for the paddy crop.