CM Patnaik announces special package to small and marginal farmers affected due to drought

Bhubaneswar, October 27: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced the package for drought-hit farmers. Announcing the package after a high-level meeting, CM Patnaik said agriculture input subsidy would be provided to small and marginal farmers who have sustained crop loss of 33% and above at the rate of Rs. 6,800 per hectare in the rain-fed areas and Rs. 13,500 per hectare in areas under assured irrigation. 

Over 3.15 lakh hectares of kharif crop spread over 70 blocks in 15 of the 30 districts have been affected by drought. The paddy crop has been affected the most in Bolangir, Bargarh, Dhenkanal, Boudh and Nuapada districts.

“Agriculture input subsidy will also be provided to farmers other than small and marginal farmers at the same rates subject to a ceiling of two hectares per farmer. The assistance would be provided to actual cultivators,” CM Patnaik said.

Farmers whose kharif crop has been affected by drought would be provided fresh finance for rabi cultivation during the current season, which commenced on October 1, Patnaik said.

Besides, a total of 5,000 pump sets would be provided with 50% subsidy limited to Rs. 15,000 to the farmers. Besides, availability of pump sets in different agro service centres would be published to enable farmers to hire them to save their standing crops.

The Odisha Lift Irrigation Corporation will also take immediate steps to repair lift irrigation points in the affected areas. Steps would be taken to operate all points during the rabi season and the Energy Department would energise the points immediately.