Energy, New and Renewable Energy and Mineral Resources and Public Relations Minister Rajendra Shukla has said that the State Government stands by farmers in their hour of crisis. All possible assistance will be given to farmers. Comprehensive measures have been undertaken to help farmers tide over the crisis. Shukla said that transformers will be replaced in drought-hit areas on deposit of 10 per cent instead of 50 per cent amount.
Shukla undertook intensive tour of villages Khamhariya, Gugdi, Yudveer Nagar, Nadan, Harra Chandel and Solang in Maihar tahasil of Satna district and Amar Patan tahasil’s villages Karhi, Umir Shivraji etc, inspected affected crops and held discussions with farmers.
Shukla said that due to sensitiveness of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Ministers and senior officers are also visiting affected village and assessing crop loss. Survey is underway following which relief will be distributed to farmers.
The Minister directed district administration to open 5000 drought relief works under MNREGA in affected villages. Apart from paddy, revenue staff should also prepare cases of relief for loss to coarse cereal and oilseed crops. Shukla said that case of relief should be prepared by considering less than 33 per cent loss as 50 per cent loss. He informed that short-term loans of affected farmers have been converted to medium-term. The Government will also pay one-year premium of crop insurance of such farmers.
Former MlA Narayan Tripathi, MlA Harsh Singh, Janpad Panchayat President Taravijay Patel and local Panchayat representatives were also present.