Gujarat has announced a “Agriculture relief package” to help farmers in four districts. An amount of Rs 13000 per hectare would be given with a limit of two hectares against the loss of crops due to excessive rains in the state.
Following reports of crop loss due to heavy rains last month, the state government had ordered a survey to assess agricultural damage. On Tuesday, October 19, the Officials announced that the affected farmers of 4 districts, namely, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Junagarh and Porbandar, will be covered under the “Agriculture Relief Package”.
There is no specific amount for the entire package, but the government has announced that each eligible farmer will receive Rs 13000 per hectare with a limit of 2 hectares if the crop loss exceeds 33%.
Compensation under the State Disaster Relief Fund is limited to Rs 6,800 per hectare. Therefore, the state budget would pay the remaining Rs 6200 per hectare.
The minimum compensation will be Rs 5000 if the landholding is less than one hectare, says the release.
To receive the compensation, farmers need to fill out an online application with all the details and upload scanned documents, such as their Adhaar card and bank account number, by October 25. In the event of the land owner’s death, any family members mentioned in the land records will receive financial assistance.
Rainfall in Gujarat:
Gujarat received 32% of its average rainfall in 19 days in September, covering most of the rainfall deficit that had caused a drought-like situation in several districts and, in fact, prone the state to flooding in many areas. The farmers suffered huge losses as the flood water stagnated the fields in several districts. Such a situation makes this relief package by the Gujarat Government a considerable boon to the affected farmers.