Will the Government Support Flood-Damaged Homes in Punjab?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Financial support will be provided for homes damaged in the floods.
- Rs 1,600 crore relief package has been announced for Punjab.
- Efforts to provide high-quality seeds for farmers are underway.
- Plans to remove silt from fields are being implemented.
- Measures against counterfeit agricultural products are being enforced.
New Delhi, Oct 12 (NationPress) The government is committed to supporting individuals impacted by the floods in Punjab, providing financial assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) for residences affected by the calamity, stated Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
In a one-on-one discussion with IANS, Chouhan remarked, “We have been with the farmers, visited their residences, and stood by them in the floodwaters. Currently, the government is focused on addressing their challenges.”
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the green light for a relief fund of Rs 1,600 crore for Punjab. I will personally be visiting Punjab on October 14. Financial support under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana will be allocated for homes that were destroyed in the floods,” the minister confirmed.
He further mentioned, “If necessary, the government will also supply farmers with high-quality seeds.”
Plans are underway to clear silt buildup in fields, in partnership with the state government, showcasing the collaborative nature of our administrative framework.
“We are doing everything possible to ease the burdens faced by farmers,” Chouhan emphasized.
When addressing the issue of stubble burning and pollution in the Delhi-NCR region, the minister stated that burning crop residue is an incorrect practice.
“We are motivating farmers to turn stubble into compost and to adopt direct seeding techniques. Custom hiring machinery is being offered in collaboration with state governments to prevent stubble burning and ensure proper utilization,” the Union Minister explained.
On the topic of counterfeit fertilizers and substandard seeds, Chouhan noted, “Fake fertilizers, inferior seeds, and counterfeit pesticides are a betrayal to farmers. We view this as a serious offense.”
“That is why stringent actions have been initiated against wrongdoers, including sealing factories and conducting extensive raids. This initiative will persist as protecting farmers’ interests is our utmost priority,” the minister concluded.