In response to a calling attention notice during the winter session on Monday, Agriculture Minister Ratanlal Nath provided updates on the state government’s efforts to compensate farmers affected by unseasonal rains in November and December.
A total of 1,00,960 farmers, who faced the brunt of unseasonal rains during the mentioned period, were considered for compensation. The adverse weather conditions, occurring from November 16 to 18 and December 6 to 8 of the previous year, led to substantial losses for farmers across the state.
Minister Nath informed the Assembly that the Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare department, with the assistance of the three-tier panchayat system, conducted thorough assessments of the affected areas to evaluate the extent of the losses suffered by the farmers.
The proposed compensation amount of Rs. 28,72,72,000 has been sent to both the Revenue department and the insurance company for approval and disbursement. According to the guidelines set by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), farmers experiencing damage of over 33 percent to their crops are eligible for compensation.
As per these guidelines, a total of 97,947 farmers have been considered for compensation amounting to Rs. 27,58,82,000, and the proposal has been forwarded to the Revenue department.
Minister Nath further highlighted that after the unseasonal rains in November and December, crops belonging to 3,013 farmers were damaged in the fields post-harvest. These farmers have also been included for compensation, totaling Rs. 1,13,90,000. The Agriculture Minister expressed optimism that the insurance company would swiftly process and provide the compensation to the affected farmers.
