Rs 200 crores relief for distressed farmers: Odisha government

Naveen Patnaik, the chief minister of Odisha, stated on Tuesday that the state would provide Rs 200 crores in input assistance to help the state’s struggling farmers in drought-affected districts.

The Odisha government informed through a press release that the entire expenditure would be borne by the State Government. According to statistics, 2,63560 hectares of agriculture in 64 blocks and 15 ULBs of 12 districts had experienced crop losses of at least 33%. Despite ongoing follow-up and pursuit by the state government with the technical advisory committee under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, the release stated that many affected farmers have still not received their crop insurance dues.

The Chief Minister has decided to provide help using state funds in this situation, after taking into account the seriousness of the situation, the demands of the affected farmers, and crop loss data from the Collectors.

The collectors of the affected districts have been instructed to inform SRC of the need for funds, and the necessary actions will be taken to provide aid right away. To alleviate the farmers’ plight, an estimated Rs. 200 crores will be given out.

On December 5, there will be by-elections in the state’s Bargarh district’s Padampur Assembly Constituency. The results of those elections are expected to be announced on December 8.

The death of sitting BJD MLA Bijay Ranjan Singh Bariha on October 3 forced the Padampur byelection.

November 17 is the deadline for submitting nomination papers. On November 18, the papers will be scrutinised. The deadline to withdraw from consideration is November 21.