Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday announced a Rs 300 crore special package for livelihood support for the farmers affected by recent floods.
Standing crops were damaged in the incessant rainfall and consequent flood during the last week of August 2020 in different districts.
THE PACKAGE
Agriculture Sector
> Agriculture input subsidy will be provided to the small and marginal farmers who have sustained crop loss of 33 per cent and above at Rs. 6,800 per hectare of land in rain-fed/non irrigated areas, 13,500 per hectare of land in areas under assured irrigation, and Rs.18,000 per hectare for all types of perennial crops. Perennial crops will include mango, cashew, coconut, kewra, betel vine etc. The assistance shall be provided to the actual cultivators. Agricultural input subsidy to any affected farmer shall not be less than Rs.2000 for perennial crops and Rs.1000 for other crops.
> 20,000 pulse seed mini-kits will be provided to the flood-affected farmers during Rabi 2020.
> 60,000 acres of demonstration programmes of different crops will be taken up in affected districts in the ensuing Rabi season.
> 2,000 pump sets will be provided with 50% subsidy limited to a maximum of 15,000.
> 5,000 power sprayers will be made available to the affected farmers at a subsidy of 50 per cent limited to a maximum of 3,000 for battery-operated sprayers and Rs.600 for hand-operated sprayers.
> One lakh farmers will be trained in seed treatment with a free supply of seed treatment chemicals /bio-pesticides to cover one lakh acres for increasing production in Rabi crops.
> Immediate steps will be taken to arrange and distribute quality certified seeds in sufficient quantity for the Rabi season. Special assistance will be provided to the farmers with higher subsidy around 75 per cent on Certified Quality Seeds
> Farm Mechanisation Subsidy of Rs 10 crore will be disbursed to the affected districts.
> Expeditious steps will be taken for crop loss assessment and steps will be taken for invoking mid-season adversity under the Crop Insurance Scheme.
> One lakh farmers will be provided with vegetable kits involving seeds of Palak, Beans, Cowpea, Tomato, Chilli and Radish etc. to meet their immediate needs through kitchen garden at the 130 per kit.
> 75,000 farmers will be provided with 10 quick growing fruit species like Papaya, Banana and Drumstick at 160 per affected farmers to raise backyard garden in the flood-hit districts.
> 500/unit will be provided for shade net/ thatched structure for the renovation of 10,000 Mushroom Units affected by flood to farmers/ WSHGs for livelihood support.
Farm Credit
> Short-term Kharif loans advanced in the flood-affected areas having crop loss of 33 per cent and above will be converted into medium-term (conversion) loans.
> Due date of Short Term Kharif loans advanced in the affected areas shall be extended by one year from the date of finance (maximum up to September 30, 2022) to facilitate the conversion of such loans into Medium Term (Conversion) loans.
> Affected farmers will be provided fresh finance for Rabi cultivation during coming Rabi season commencing from October 1.
Animal Resources Development Sector
> Assistance for replacement of animals shall be provided towards loss of animals at Rs 30,000 per milch cow and buffalo, 25,000 per draught animal (up to 3 animals), Rs 16,000 per calf (up to 6 animals), Rs.3,000 per goat (up to 30 animals), Rs 50 per poultry bird (maximum Rs 5000)
Fisheries Sector
> Financial assistance of Rs.12,200 per hectare will be provided to fish farmers (Freshwater/ Brackish water) for the repair of damaged fish ponds/dykes.
> Input subsidy at Rs 8200 per hectre will be given for de-silting/restoration/repair of damaged fish seed farm.
Handloom & Handicrafts Sector
> An assistance of Rs.4100 per weaver/ handicrafts artisan will be provided for replacement tools/ equipment and Rs.4100 per weaver/handicrafts artisan towards loss of raw materials/ goods in process/ finished goods.
Employment Generation:
- Works under MGNREGA will be intensified once flood water subsides. The focus will be given on works like repair and maintenance of GP roads, Playfields, canals, earthen bunds, goat shed, cowshed, and fodder cultivation.
