Bhubaneswar, Oct 15: In the wake of drought situation in Odisha, state government has announced agriculture input subsidy to the tune of Rs 1000 crore for the small and marginal farmers, who have sustained crop loss due to deficient rains.
This was announced by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday.
Patnaik said, farmers who have suffered loss to the tune of 33 per cent or more will be given Rs6,800 per hectare for rainfed and non irrigated areas while Rs13,500 per hectare shall be given to those areas under assured irrigation.
For perennial crops, the assistance shall be Rs18,000 per hectare and given to the actual cultivators.
Farmers affected by drought in Khariff will be provided fresh finance for Rabi cultivation during the current Rabi season which has commenced from October one, he said.
This will cost the State exchequer Rs 4500 crore, said officials.
As per the decision, the short term Khariff loans will be converted to medium term loans in drought affected areas in cases of 50 per cent and above crop damage.
Patnaik directed the district administrations to keep a close watch on money lenders and other unscrupulous elements causing financial hardship to the farmers and police will initiate tough action against such elements under the Odisha Money Lenders Act and various sections of the Cr PC.
Earlier, State revenue minister Bijayshree Routray had admitted the fact that a total 107 blocks spread across 12 districts of Odisha are facing drought-like situation and suffered crop loss of 33 per cent or more.
Extensive crop loss has been seen in Khurda district where damage has been reported from about 66,540 hectares.
