Bhubaneswar: Odisha Agri-Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced package for pest-affected areas. Key decisions taken:
• 75% subsidy for purchase of insecticides/pesticides for crop sown during current Kharif season
• 10,000 sprayers in BPH affected areas at 50% subsidy
• Livelihood support for 50,000 small, marginal & landless farmers
• 1 lakh seed mini-kits & demo kits comprising of paddy, pulses & oil seeds; 50,000 vegetable kits for affected farmers
• 5000 pump sets at 50% subsidy for farmers in affected areas
• Expeditious facilitation of credit through Joint Liability Groups, fresh finance for Rabi cultivation
• Short term Kharif loans to be converted to Medium term
• Government of India requested to provide interest incentive of 3% for medium term (conversion) loans
• Continuous monitoring and stringent action on money lenders and other unscrupulous elements
• Priority to repair and activation of all Lift Irrigation points in affected areas by 31 December
• 50% remission of cess on land revenue to farmers with crop loss of 33% and more
• Collection of remaining amount deferred to next financial year without any interest
• Water rate waived for current year in pest affected villages
• Waiver of tuition & examination fees in Government and aided schools and colleges in pest affected areas
Chief Minister Shri Patnaik reiterated state Government’s commitment towards protecting interests of farmers and highlighted efforts being taken to mitigate the difficulties experienced by farmers in pest affected areas.
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