Chandigarh, April 5 (IANS): Farmers in Haryana will get a minimum compensation of Rs.500 for crop loss due to unseasonal rains, strong winds and hailstorms, a government spokesman said on Sunday.

"Compensation for the loss caused to the crops due to heavy rains and hailstorm in Rabi 2015 (February 2015 till today) would be paid according to the norms set by the present government which includes provision of a minimum compensation of Rs.500," the official said.

In the past, farmers have been given cheques of even Rs.2 as compensation. This happened during the tenure of the previous Congress government led by chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda.

The new BJP government in Haryana has directed all deputy commissioners to submit fresh reports on special 'girdawri' (damage assessment) by April 16.

Deputy commissioners who had sent their assessment of the loss by March-end have been told to resubmit the reports, he said.

"Payment of compensation would be made to the affected farmers within 30 days of receipt of their reports on special girdawri," he added.