Every possible effort is being made to extend relief to drought-hit farmers in the State, said Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday. Moreover, relief against crop loss will be given to farmers on the basis of productivity and it would not be linked with deficient rainfall only. This was decided at a meeting of agriculture Cabinet chaired by the Chief Minister.
It was also decided to make one-time amendment in guarantee given to Apex Bank for obtaining refinance from NABARD to convert short-term loans to mid-term in case of natural calamity as per proposal of NABARD. All Ministers will visit villages under their charge and hold discussions with farmers at Chaupals from October 25 to 27 to learn ground reality of crop loss.
They will hold discussions with farmers on crop loss, production, difficulties and next Rabi crop. Along with agriculture, they would also discuss alternatives sources of income. The Chief Minister will also visit villages during this period. Future of farming will be discussed at a meeting of Agriculture Task Force on October 31. All long-term measures will be ensured for farmers' welfare.
The Chief Minister said that measures should be taken through coordination of all departments for better productivity during ensuing Rabi season. Relief will be provided to farmers by curtailing budget for departments by 15 per cent. IAS, IPS and IFS officers will also contact farmers from October 25 to 27 to learn about crop loss.
He directed to complete crop cutting experiments at the earliest. Memorandum to be sent to the Centre about crop loss should be prepared by October 24. Farmers should be counseled to plant crops as per availability of irrigation water during Rabi season. Entire Agriculture Department staff should do field work at this juncture. Special attention should be paid to supply of fertilisers and seeds for Rabi. As per requirement, relief works under MNREGA should be started in drought-hit areas. Besides, timely payment of MNREGA wages should also be ensured. An advance plan should be chalked out for this.
It was also decided to amend guarantee deed of Madhya Pradesh Government Guarantee Rules-2009 for guarantee given to Apex Bank for obtaining refinance from NABARD to convert short-term loans to mid-term in case of natural calamity as per proposal of NABARD.
The meeting was informed that due to deficient rainfall, production of soybean, urad, moong, arhar and paddy will also be less. Soybean crops have suffered maximum loss. Crop insurance amount of Rs 515 for Kharif-2014 is being distributed. Amount of about Rs 500 for Kharif-2014 is also expected to be received. This year, claims worth about Rs 3000 crore are expected for Kharif crop loss. There is
adequate stock of fertilisers, seeds and other agriculture inputs in the state for ensuing Rabi.