Odisha CM Announces Special Relief Package for Farmers, Fishermen & Others Affected by Cyclone Yaas

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday announced a special relief package for farmers in the state's Cyclone Yaas-affected regions, where the storm damaged crops and caused major damage to livestock, fisheries, and handlooms. 

When asked about the losses incurred by farmers as a result of Cyclone Yaas, Patnaik replied, "Small and marginal farmers who have suffered crop losses of 33% or more in non-irrigated areas will receive an agriculture input subsidy of Rs. 6800 per hectare. In irrigated land, an input subsidy of Rs. 13,500 per hectare will be supplied, and Rs. 18,000 per hectare will be granted for all types of perennial fruits such as mango, cashew, coconut, betel, and so on." 

Farmers will receive a minimum subsidy of 2,000 for all-season crops and 1,000 for other crops, according to a statement released by the state administration on Thursday. 

Farmers in the impacted districts would receive 1.5 lakh quintals of high-quality certified paddy seeds, as well as a 25% discount on the present rebate for the 2021 Kharif season, which will be transferred straight to the farmer's account via DBT. 

According to the announcement, a subsidy of Rs. 20 crore will be offered in the Cyclone-affected regions for the purchase of technical agri equipment, in addition to rebates. Through DBT, 125 betel cine cultivators will receive a Rs. 15,000 incentive per individual, while 50 mushroom cultivation units would receive a Rs. 40,000 incentive. 

According to the state government, steps will be taken to speed up the preparation of crop harvest reports for settlement of claims of affected farmers covered under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, and short-term loans of farmers in affected areas with crop damage of 33% and above will be converted into medium-term loans. 

Assistance will also be provided for the loss of the livestock animals, Rs. 30,000 has been announced for milk-providing cows and Buffalo while Rs. 25,000 (for a maximum of 3) will be provided for non-milch animal, according to the statement, 

Likewise, for each loss of calves, Rs. 16,000 will be paid, Rs. 3,000 up to 30 goats or sheep and Rs. 50 per chicken, a maximum of Rs. 5,000 will be awarded to the afflicted farmers. Rs. 2,100 will be granted for the restoration and refurbishment of cow sheds damaged by Cyclone, it said. 

Fishermen and fish farmers harmed by the cyclone will receive Rs. 4,100 for slightly destroyed boats, Rs. 2,100 for partially damaged fishing nets, Rs. 9,600 for boat construction against a totally destroyed boat, and Rs. 2,600 for totally destroyed fishing nets. 

According to the announcement, an input subsidy of Rs. 12,200 per hectare will be offered for fish farm renovations and Rs. 8,200 per hectare for fish seed farms. 

"The Cyclone has also impacted many handloom and handicraft workers. As a result, the affected craftsmen will receive Rs. 4,100 for their equipment, and each artist will receive Rs. 4,100 for damaged raw materials and finished goods" , according to the state administration. 

According to the announcement, the MGNREGS programme will offer a large number of job opportunities for those who have been affected. Repair and maintenance of village panchayats, playgrounds, canals, mud dams, and cow shed construction will also be prioritized.