The state government has decided to increase the input subsidy to farmers affected by cyclone Nilam to Rs. 10,000 per hectare.
Making the announcement in the State Legislative Council while replying to a debate on the devastation caused due to Nilam cyclone here on Monday, the Chief Minister said that the input subsidy has been increased from Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 10,000 per hectare. He said that during the Telugu Desam Party's 9-year-rule, the input subsidy had been between Rs. 1250 to Rs. 1500 per hectare. However, the Congress Government increased it to Rs. 4,500 in 2008 and Rs. 8,000 in 2010. Now, the input subsidy for cyclone affected farmers has been increased to Rs. 10,000 per hectare he said.
The Chief Minister asserted that his government was taking all possible measures for the welfare of the farmers in the state. He claimed that, so far, the government has sanctioned nearly Rs. 7,500 crore for the modernisation of canals, adding that, of nearly Rs. 700 crore planned to be spent on repairs and maintenance of canals, so far Rs. 450 crore have already been spent.
Kiran Kumar Reddy said that priority has been given for the implementation of the Jalayagnum programme across the state. He assured that nearly Rs. 16,000 crore will be spent in the next two years to bring about 30 lakh acres of land under cultivation. He also hoped that the Centre would accord National Project status to Polavaram and Pranahita-Chevella project.
The Chief Minister said that representations have been made to the Food Corporation of India and Cotton Corporation of India to buy damaged crops from the farmers affected due to cyclone Nilam. He also asked bankers not to delay or deny loans to the affected farmers.
Kiran Kumar Reddy assured the farmers that the state government would take all measures for their proper rehabilitation. (INN)
filed in:Cyclone Nilam, Cyclone Rehabilitation, N Kiran Kumar Reddy