Under the scheme, each affected farmer will get Rs 22,000 per hectare, capped at two hectares (i.e., a maximum of Rs 44,000 per farmer).
The Gujarat government has announced a compensation package of Rs 10,000 crore to provide assistance to farmers whose crops were damaged due to unseasonal rains across the state. Heavy rains affected all 33 districts over the past few weeks, causing massive losses during the crucial crop period. A government survey revealed crop damage to more than 44 lakh hectares in 16,500 villages in 251 talukas.
Under the scheme, each affected farmer will get Rs 22,000 per hectare, capped at two hectares (i.e., a maximum of Rs 44,000 per farmer). The compensation covers both irrigated and non-irrigated crops including cereals, pulses, oilseeds and cotton. Despite provisions for varying degrees of crop damage compensation, the state government has opted for a uniform package for all affected farmers. It is being claimed that this is the largest compensation package announced for crop damage in Gujarat.
Chief Minister announcing the package Bhupendra Patel “In view of the widespread crop damage across the state, I am announcing a relief package of about Rs 10,000 crore for farmers. The state government is dedicated to the economic well-being of farmers,” it posted on Twitter.
The state government also announced that from November 9 it will start purchasing affected crops worth about Rs 15,000 crore at minimum support price to help stabilize farmers’ income. The government conducted surveys in the affected areas to assess losses and additional farmers who may have been missed in the initial survey will also be eligible.
Farmer groups and opposition parties welcomed the announcement but cautioned that the losses could exceed the compensation announced. State Congress chief Amit Chavda demanded loan waiver for farmers. The Congress launched its 18-day Kisan Aakrosh Yatra from Somnath temple on November 6, crossing 11 districts till November 23, demanding loan waiver, MSP guarantee and increased protection against policy failures and loans. Farmer organizations have also demanded that compensation distribution be completed on priority basis to avoid delay in the upcoming Rabi sowing.
