Compensation package ready for Kuttanad

ALAPPUZHA: The government has readied a compensation package of Rs 30,000  per hectare  for paddy farmers who lost their crops in the recent pest attacks and swamp formation in Kuttanad.  “The compensation would be disbursed in two phases and the order  would be issued this week,”   Agriculture Minister V.S. Sunilkumar said  while  inaugurating a public rally after sowing paddy seeds at Rani Kayal fields at Kuttnad on Thursday.   Paddy was cultivated in 210 hectares in Rani Kayal for the last time in 1992.            

“The  agriculture department has been asked to submit a report estimating the losses. The distribution of funds would begin soon after the report is received,” he  said. The government was planning to cultivate crops in the fields left unused across the state, he said.  In the Aranmula fields where an airport was proposed, Chief Minister  Pinarayi Vijayan would sow  the seeds on October 29. Paddy would be cultivated in the controversial Methran Kayal as well later this year. Kuttanad MLA Thomas Chandy presided over the function. Local MP Kodkunnil Suresh and district collector Veena N. Madhavan were among those who attended  the function.