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Bhubaneswar, May 11: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Saturday announced a `1,600 crore relief package for people-affected by severe cyclonic storm Fani May 3.
The package involves agriculture input subsidy to small and marginal farmers who have sustained crop loss of 33 per cent and more. The relief includes `6,800 per hectare in rainfed/non-irrigated areas, `13,500 per ha in areas under assured irrigation, announced the Chief Minister.
The Agriculture department will distribute ` 18,000 per hectare for all types of perennial crops hit by the cyclone.
The department will distribute 1,00,000 vegetable mini-kits to Fani-affected farmers, the Chief Minister said after a high-level meeting.
“An incentive of Rs 15,000 per farmer will be provided for Betel vine cultivation and Rs 40,000 per unit will be provided for construction of shade net or thatched structure for development of mushroom units,” Patnaik announced.
An incentive of Rs 25, 000 per ha will be given to banana farmers while compensation of Rs 30,000 will be provided for loss of milch cow and buffalo, Rs 25,000 per draught animal and Rs 3,000 per goat as per the relief package.
An aid of Rs 50,000 will be given to farmers and women Self-Help Groups for construction of cattle sheds.
Patnaik said his government will provide 50 per cent (Rs 40,000) for purchase of FRP boat and 50 per cent (Rs 10,000) for nets lost in the disaster. Assistance of Rs 12,200 per ha will be given away to affected fish farmers.
Additional seed money of Rs 10,000 will be given to affected women SHGs and community investment fund at the rate of Rs 1 lakh per group, he said and added that Rs 50,000 will be given to affected Women SHGs who produce take home ration.
He said 5000 pump sets with 50 per cent subsidy (up to a maximum Rs 15,000) and 10,000 sprayers (maximum Rs 3,800) would be given to affected farmers.
As part of the package, short term Rabi loans advanced in the affected areas in 2019 will be converted into medium term loans for crop loss of 33 per cent or more. The due date of repayment for Rabi short term loan advanced has been extended up to June 30, 2020.
Under the handicrafts and handloom sector, aid of Rs 4100 will be distributed per artisan for replacement of tools/equipment and Rs 4100 per artisan for loss of raw material/goods in process/finished goods.
The government has announced 100 per cent remission in respect of cess on land revenue and compulsory basic water rate will be given to affected farmers.
Besides, school fees and examination fees up to high school level in government schools have been waived in the affected areas. Two pairs of school uniforms and textbooks will be provided to children up to elementary school level in the affected areas under the relief package.
