The State Government on Monday submitted an interim memorandum on drought to the Centre seeking a financial assistance of Rs1,687 crore. The State’s move came three days after the Union Government asked it to send a memorandum on the drought situation.
According to sources, the State Government has sought assistance in six categories. While it asked for Rs416 crore for input subsidy for the farming community, Rs52.49 crore was sought for irrigation. A sum of Rs913 crore was sought for interest-free loan and State share, Rs72 crore for food and drinking water for livestock animals.
The 52-page memorandum also requested the Centre to provide Rs200.35 crore for food and Rs24.78 crore for drinking water.
The State Government, which is yet to name the districts affected by drought, however, stated that 20,484 villages of 173 blocks of 25 districts are hit due to scanty rainfall.
A total 8,82,770 hectares of farmland have been affected, the report said. Sources said the State would submit a final drought report to the Centre once the Kharif crop cutting is over in December.