Bhubaneswar, Aug 18: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday announced a special Rs 1,000 crore relief package for flood-affected areas of the state, with nearly 9.40 lakh people impacted by the latest spell of flooding.
Majhi announced the package after reviewing the flood situation in Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar and Kendrapada districts. He said the package was based on a preliminary assessment and additional financial assistance would be provided, if required, after detailed damage reports are received from the affected districts.
The special package focuses on agricultural recovery, restoration of irrigation infrastructure, livelihood assistance and immediate relief for affected families.
Under the agricultural component, small and marginal farmers suffering 33 per cent or more crop loss will receive input subsidies of Rs 8,500 per hectare for non-irrigated land, Rs 17,000 per hectare for irrigated land and Rs 22,500 per hectare for perennial crops.
Financial assistance for purchasing paddy and non-paddy seeds will be transferred directly to eligible farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Farmers will also receive free vegetable mini-kits, while a 75 per cent subsidy will be provided for post-flood disease and pest management.
The government has directed authorities to undertake restoration and repair of damaged irrigation projects on a war footing. Assistance will also be extended to livestock owners, fishermen and farmers for livestock losses and the repair of damaged boats, fishing nets and ponds.
To ease the financial burden on affected farmers, short-term Kharif agricultural loans may be converted into medium-term loans, providing additional repayment relief following crop losses.
The package also covers the handicraft and handloom sectors. Artisans and workers whose tools or equipment were damaged will receive Rs 5,000, while another Rs 5,000 will be provided for losses involving raw materials or finished products.
The Chief Minister said the government would continue assessing the situation and take additional measures based on the extent of damage reported from the affected districts.
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