How will Tamil Nadu assist farmers with Rs 20,000 per hectare for crop loss?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Compensation of Rs 20,000 per hectare announced for affected farmers.
- Extensive crop damage reported across multiple districts.
- Field assessments are ongoing to identify affected farmers.
- Emergency support including food and medical aid is being provided.
- The government is focused on quick relief disbursement to stabilize livelihoods.
Chennai, Dec 2 (NationPress) In a significant support initiative for farmers affected by severe rainfall, the government of Tamil Nadu declared on Tuesday a compensation of Rs 20,000 per hectare for crop losses.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister K.K.S.S.R. Ramachandran stated that this decision came after numerous reports of extensive damage across various districts due to Cyclone Ditwah and continuous rainfall in October.
This announcement followed a directive from Chief Minister M. K. Stalin to officials to promptly assess crop damages and accelerate the distribution of relief.
Preliminary reports provided to the State government indicated that crops covering 4,235 hectares and horticultural crops across 345 hectares experienced significant damage.
Officials are actively conducting field assessments to determine the affected farmers and confirm the scale of losses.
In a media briefing in Chennai, the minister noted that initial estimates suggest that approximately 85,500 hectares of agricultural land were submerged, with several areas experiencing prolonged water logging.
Teams from the Revenue Department, Agriculture Department, and local authorities are collaboratively carrying out the enumeration process as per the Chief Minister's instructions.
The cyclone also led to notable human and livestock losses, with four fatalities reported — two from electrocution and two from wall collapses during the heavy rainfall.
The Minister reported that 582 livestock perished, exacerbating the hardships for numerous farming families.
Moreover, 1,601 huts were damaged, compelling families to seek temporary accommodations. A total of 3,534 individuals were evacuated from low-lying and vulnerable locations and provided shelter in 54 relief camps across the State.
Arrangements for food, drinking water, and medical assistance were made to support the displaced.
Ramachandran emphasized that the state government is dedicated to ensuring that every impacted farmer receives compensation swiftly.
He added that once the final enumeration is completed, relief funds will be prioritized to aid farmers in resuming normal agricultural activities and stabilizing their livelihoods after the cyclone's impact.