Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday announced input assistance of about Rs 200 crore for farmers in the drought-hit areas of the State. The Government would bear entire expenditure for the distressed farmers.
Patnaik significantly made the announcement ahead of the Assembly by-election in Padampur in Bargarh district, where farmers are on an agitation on several demands.
As per reports, about 2,63,560 hectares of cropland in 64 blocks and 15 ULBs of 12 districts have suffered crop loss of 33 per cent and above.
Despite continuous follow-up and pursuance by the State Government with the Technical Advisory Committee under the Union Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, many farmers in the drought-affected areas are yet to receive their crop insurance dues. In this context, considering the gravity of the situation, demands of the affected farmers and crop loss reports by the Collectors, the Chief Minister decided to provide assistance out of the State’s own resources, a release from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) stated.
The Collectors of the affected districts have been directed to submit the requirement of funds to the Special Relief Commissioner and appropriate steps would be taken for immediate disbursement of assistance.