Odisha Channel Bureau
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday announced a special package of Rs. 300 crore for livelihood support for the farmers affected by recent floods.
Incessant rainfall and consequent flood during last week of August in different districts of Odisha had caused damage to the standing crops.
Package for livelihood support
Agriculture Sector: Agriculture input subsidy will be provided to the small and marginal farmers who have sustained crop loss of 33% and above at the rate of Rs. 6,800 per hectare of land in rain-fed/non irrigated areas; Rs. 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, according to an official release issued by the Office of the Chief Minister.
The assistance shall be provided to the actual cultivators. Agricultural input subsidy to any affected farmer shall not be less than Rs. 2,000 for perennial crops and Rs. 1,000- for other crops.
20,000 pulse seed minikits 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 shall be provided with 50% subsidy limited to a maximum of Rs. 15,000.
5,000 power sprayers will be made available to the Flood affected farmers at a subsidy of 50% limited to maximum of Rs. 3,000 for battery operated sprayers and Rs. 600 for hand operated sprayers.
One lakh farmers will be trained on seed treatment programme with 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% 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 Rs. 130 per kit.
75,000 farmers will be provided with 10 nos. of quick growing fruit species like Papaya, Banana and Drumstick at the rate of Rs. 160 per affected farmers to raise backyard garden in the flood affected districts.
Rs. 500/Unit will be provided for Shade Net/ Thatched Structure for renovation of 10,000 Mushroom Units affected by flood to farmers/ WSHGs for livelihood support.
Farm Credit: Short Term Kharif loans advanced in the food affected areas having crop loss of 33% and above shall 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 30th September 2022) to facilitate conversion of such loans into Medium Term (Conversion) loans.
Affected farmers shall be provided fresh finance for Rabi cultivation during coming Rabi season commencing from 01.10.2020.
Animal Resources Development Sector: Assistance for replacement of animals shall be provided towards loss of animals at the rate of Rs. 30,000 per milch cow and buffalo, Rs. 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. 5,000)
Fisheries sector: Financial assistance of Rs. 12,200 per hectare will be provided to fish farmers (Freshwater/ Brackish water) for repair of damaged fish ponds/ dykes.
Input subsidy at the rate of Rs. 8,200 per hectare will be given for de-silting/ restoration/ repair of damaged fish seed farm.
Handloom & Handicrafts Sector: Assistance of Rs. 4,100 per weaver/handicrafts artisan will be provided for replacement tools/equipment and Rs. 4,100 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 gram panchayat roads, playfields, canals, earthen bunds, goat shed, cowshed, and fodder cultivation.
