Intervening, Revenue Minister R. B. Udayakumar explained that about 32 lakh farmers have suffered crop losses due to drought.
Chennai: Claiming that the horticulture crop growers in the state, reeling under drought, have suffered crop losses, the opposition DMK urged the state government to announce a relief package.
Raising the issue in the Assembly on Tuesday DMK whip R. Chakrapani, claimed the horticulture crop growers in several districts could not get compensation as some of the horticulture crops were excluded in the list of crops for providing relief. He also demanded the complete waiver of cooperative loans extended to the farmers.
Intervening, Revenue Minister R. B. Udayakumar explained that about 32 lakh farmers have suffered crop losses due to drought and they have been provided input relief assistance by the government. “For the first time, the State government had provided Rs. 410 crore for crop insurance and in addition provided Rs 6.91 crore as insurance for cattle. Also, the forest department was allotted Rs 5 crore,” he said.
Earlier, while initiating a debate, DMK member Ganesan V from Tittakudi Assembly constituency (in Cuddalore) alleged that many farmers have not been compensated for crop loss. Intervening, Mr. Udayakumar said the government had ensured a drought relief package of Rs 2,247 crore for the benefit of the farmers. The farmers who suffered crop loss in five acres were each provided a relief of Rs. 1,465 per acre.
The compensation was provided based on the extent of crop loss and area affected, he said and claimed that the drought affected farmers in all the districts were adequately compensated.
