Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan sought detailed information regarding the unseasonal rains in the State in a meeting with officials on Saturday. Chouhan said that the Government stands with the farmers. He directed to start the work of damage assessment work in the affected districts immediately.
The damage to the crops due to unseasonal rains must be surveyed with utmost sincerity. He ensured to provide the affected farmers with necessary assistance after the survey. Chief Secretary Iqbal Singh Bains, Agriculture Production Commissioner K.K. Singh, Principal Secretary Agriculture Ajit Kesari and Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Manish Rastogi were present in the meeting.
Chouhan directed that the report of the survey should be pasted in the Panchayat office, so that the farmers concerned can get information about the crop damage obtained from the survey. Chouhan said that according to the rules, the benefit of crop insurance scheme should also be provided to the farmers.
Chouhan said that along with loss of crops, assistance should also be provided in cases of loss of life and cattle. An amount of `4 lakhs each should be given to the affected families as per provision for the loss of life. The Agriculture and Revenue Department should conduct joint inspection. According to the provision of Revenue Book Circular 6-4, the eligible affected people should be given all possible assistance.
It was informed in the meeting that there have been untimely rains in about 15 to 20 districts in the state besides hail storm at some places. The damage is currently being assessed. Reports will be received from the districts soon. Reports of rain in the districts were received on Friday evening. Rainfall has occurred in two-three districts of West Madhya Pradesh and also in Chambal region. The damage to crops has been partial which is being assessed. Reports of deaths of seven persons due to electrocution have also been received. Loss of cattle has been reported at some places.