For the first time in Odisha, the farmers who suffered crop loss in 2013 here got insurance compensation from the Government.
On the occasion of Anchalika Krushi Mahotsav, 2014, held here, Agriculture Minister Pradeep Maharathy handed over cheques to two farmers, Debadatta Baarik and Keshav Seth. He said that the process to disburse compensation began with this.
“later, all the farmers in the entire State would be given compensation amount as per the actual loss and the crop cutting report,” Maharathy assured.
After demand from the farmers and their leaders, the State Government released its share worth `154.94 crore for the farmers toward insurance. “11, 522 farmers of Sambalpur district will be covered under the insurance scheme alone,” Maharathy maintained. The Minister also gave away prizes to 17 successful farmers of nine districts for their outstanding achievements in pisciculture, agriculture and animal husbandry.
Maharathy further informed that a two- day seminar would be organised at the State capital where the farmers would be given ample opportunity to narrate their problems, including obstacle from the Government officers. The Minister reiterated the commitments of the Government for the development of farmers, including fair MSP for their produce and other financial benefits.