Post Titli, Odisha govt. brings special package for farmers

The Government of Odisha last week announced a special package for the people affected by cyclone ‘Titli’ and consequent floods in the State. To recall, cyclone ‘Titli’ had hit the Odisha coast on 11^th October causing a heavy downpour.

Under the package, agriculture input subsidy will be given to small as well as marginal farmers with sustained crop loss of 33 % and above at Rs 6800/ hectare in the non-irrigated or rainfed regions. Additionally the government will provide Rs 13500 /hectare in regions under assured irrigation and Rs 18000 /hectare for all kinds of perennial crops such as mango, cashew, kewra, coconut and betel vine.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik told that 2 lakh special mini-kits, which include 1.20 lakh pulses-kits, 50000 vegetable seed-kits and 30000 oilseed mini-kits will be delivered to the cyclone-affected farmers. Apart from this, some 20000 hectares of plantation crops damaged by cyclone will be invigorated with the support for inter-cropping package for 3 years.

Patnaik said short-term Kharif loans advanced in the affected regions during Kharif 2018 with crop loss of 33 % and above will be converted into Medium-term (Conversion) loans. He added that financial aid worth Rs 60000 /boat and Rs 15000 /fishing net will be given for completely and partially damaged boats and nets of marine and Chilka fishermen.

In addition, school fees and examination fees up to High School in all government schools will be waived in the affected regions. 2 pairs of school uniforms along with textbooks will also be provided to children up to elementary school level.