Post News Network
Keonjhar, Nov 21: After the state government announced a package for drought-hit farmers and directed strict implementation of the Orissa Money Launders’ Act-1939, the district administration has stepped up awareness among farmers on the package Saturday.
The camp was organised at the district agriculture office where scores of farmers were present. The camp assumes importance at a time when scores of farmers, hit by drought and under pressure from mounting debt burden, have allegedly committed suicide in several parts of the state.
In order to save the farmers from getting financially exploited by moneylenders, the officials were asked to act tough in this matter. It was revealed that 24 teams comprising police and revenue officials have been formed to put a check on money laundering.
Collector N Tirumala Naik was present at the camp and interacted with farmers from various parts of the district.
He also personally apprised them of the financial assistance for nine drought-hit blocks, as announced by the state government.
Naik also advised the farmers not to panic over the drought situation, assuring them that the state and district administration would act together to deal with the situation. He also urged the famers to cooperate with the administration in its efforts to alleviate their plight.
The collector announced that in case of 33 per cent crop damage or more in non-irrigated land, farmers will be provided Rs 6,800 per hectare; Rs 13,500 per hectare would be provided in case of loss in irrigated land and Rs 18,000 per hectare in case of long duration crops.
The collector also made it clear that farmers will receive compensation for a maximum of two acres of crop damage.
Drought-hit famers will be provided fresh agricultural loans for rabi crops while the farmers who have faced 50 per cent crop loss or even more will have the facility of converting short-term loans into medium term loans.
In addition, 50 per cent of revenue has been waived for farmers having lost 33 per cent or more crop damage while they have been allowed to deposit their revenue by end of next year. Water tax has been waived while examination and tuition fees for college and school students in drought-hit areas have been waived, the collector added.
The collector has asked the agriculture officials to intensify awareness campaigns so that more farmers can be benefited from drought package.