Extending a helping hand to the farmers who lost their crop in the unseasonal rains recently the State Government has disbursed over Rs 257 crore among over 7 lakh distraught farmers, government spokesman said. In a statement issued here on Sunday he said that in view of this major calamity that struck the state in February and March , Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking an assistance of Rs 1,000 crore. Of this Rs 500 crore has been sought immediately.
“The Uttar Pradesh Government has so far disbursed Rs 257.77 crore among the farmers who lost their crop in the unseasonal rain which has affected over 7.40 lakh farmers across the state spread over in 44 districts. Directions have been issued to the officials to stop recovery of loans,” the spokesman said. He said the SDMs have been asked to verify the quantum of loss of crop and send the report to the Government. This step have been taken after reports that lekhpals and Tehsildars were not going to the field to assess the loss. “The government wants actual figure of farmers who have lost their lives or committed suicide after rains,” the spokesman. The unseasonal rains have destroyed wheat, pulses, oil seed and potato crops. Over 50 farmers have committed suicide following loss of their crop. Uttar Pradesh Government has paid Rs 7 lakh to the kin of the farmers who lost their lives post-rains.