A total of 11.61 lakh farmers across the State would receive Rs 1,776 crore as crop insurance for the Kharif season of 2015, said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik here on Wednesday.
Addressing a gathering during his visit to Bargarh district, Patnaik said more than one lakh farmers in Bargarh district would get Rs 276 crore crop insurance alone followed by Rs 100 crore in Sambalpur, Rs 370 crore in Balangir and Rs 166 crore in Kalahandi.
Patnaik said process has already started for disbursal of crop insurance to six lakh farmers of 10 western Odisha districts. The Chief Minister said he has directed the district Collectors to ensure farmers do not face any difficulties at the procurement centres during the paddy purchase.
“The BJD Government has been working to safeguard the interest of the farmers and the same will continue,” said Patnaik.
Raising the unilateral construction of barrages over Mahanadi river in Chhattisgarh, Patnaik said the neighbouring State has conspired to supply water to industries by establishing the barrages. He said livelihood of the farmers, fishermen and lakhs of people of the State would be hit due to scarcity of water in the river in non-monsoon period.
Besides, the Chief Minister visited Deogarh and Jharsuguda districts to launch several projects and address public gatherings.