Gujarat's Chief Minister, Bhupendra Patel, announced a comprehensive relief package of Rs 240 crore on Friday, aiming to support farmers who suffered extensive losses due to Cyclone Biparjoy in the Kutch and Banaskantha districts last month.
The devastation caused by the cyclone left a profound impact on the agriculture sector, damaging standing crops, plants, and fruit trees spread across approximately 1.30 lakh hectares in Kutch and Banaskantha alone. Fruit orchards were particularly hard-hit, with a significant number of trees either uprooted completely or partially damaged during the cyclone's landfall.
To address the dire situation and extend support to the affected farmers, the Gujarat government's relief-cum-assistance package will offer specific benefits based on the extent of damage sustained by their crops and orchards. According to the package's details provided by State Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel, farmers who incurred losses ranging from 10 to 33 per cent of their total perennial horticulture crops or trees will receive financial assistance of Rs 25,000 per hectare.
For those facing more severe damage, with over 33 per cent of their perennial horticulture crops damaged or uprooted, the compensation will increase to Rs 1.25 lakh per hectare. However, the compensation for such losses will be limited to a maximum of two hectares per farmer.
To ensure that the relief reaches the intended beneficiaries, the government will rely on a list compiled by survey teams, which will include the names of eligible farmers. Those whose names appear on the list will be eligible to claim the compensation. However, to receive the support, farmers will be required to submit applications to the respective taluka development officer, providing the necessary documentation and evidence of the damage incurred.
This relief package comes as a much-needed lifeline for the affected farmers, as they can utilize the financial support to recover and rebuild their agricultural livelihoods. The Gujarat government's prompt action and targeted assistance demonstrate its commitment to standing with the farming community during challenging times and reaffirms its dedication to agricultural welfare and rural development.
