How Much Financial Aid is Approved for Reconstruction of Flood-Damaged Houses in Punjab?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Rs 1.60 lakh approved for each family affected by floods
- 36,703 houses to be reconstructed
- Additional funds of Rs 74 crore for free wheat seed distribution
- Over 11 lakh farmers benefitting from PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi
- Support for affected farmers in horticulture sector
Ludhiana, Oct 14 (NationPress) Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan visited the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Indian Institute of Maize Research (ICAR-IIMR) on Tuesday. He announced that Rs 1.60 lakh has been approved for each family for the reconstruction of 36,703 houses that were damaged in the recent floods in Punjab.
During his visit, he engaged with maize stakeholders, farmers, beneficiaries of rural development schemes, and members of women self-help groups (SHGs).
The Union Minister emphasized key initiatives and development programs by the Central government aimed at enhancing agriculture and rural development in Punjab.
The event also saw the presence of Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Bhagirath Choudhary, Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu, and Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian.
Chouhan remarked that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the Central government's primary objectives are to boost food grain production, lower production costs, and enhance farmers' income.
He pointed out that while India is self-sufficient in wheat and rice, agricultural diversification remains crucial.
“Following wheat and rice, maize stands as the third most significant crop in our nation. Beyond serving as a food source, it has various industrial applications. Maize also presents a sustainable alternative to paddy, conserving water while providing superior returns for farmers,” stated Chouhan.
He acknowledged the essential role of the Indian Institute of Maize Research in boosting maize productivity and supporting agricultural diversification.
Chouhan also announced that the Central government has allocated Rs 74 crore for the free distribution of wheat seeds to aid farmers facing crop losses in Punjab. Additional funds have been set aside for mustard and other seed varieties.
Furthermore, under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, Rs 222 crore has already been disbursed to 11.09 lakh farmers.
Support under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) will be extended to farmers impacted in the horticulture sector.
Reiterating the Union government's dedication to Punjab's recovery and resilience, Chouhan asserted that Prime Minister Modi is “deeply concerned about the flood damage in the state.” The Central government has sanctioned a package of Rs 1,600 crore to assist flood-affected families.
He confirmed that Rs 1.60 lakh per family has been authorized for the reconstruction of 36,703 damaged houses, which includes Rs 1.2 lakh for construction and Rs 40,000 for labor and toilet facilities.
Chouhan also encouraged citizens to prioritize Indian-made products ('Swadeshi'), emphasizing that this would empower local artisans, retain wealth domestically, and enhance India's economy.
“By supporting indigenous products, we not only foster self-reliance but also guarantee prosperity for our local communities,” added the Union Minister.