Madhya Pradesh Government stands by farmers in their hour of crisis

Bhopal: Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Smt. Sushma Swaraj visited village Khandabad in Budhni tahsil of Sehore district today and took stock of hailstorm-affected crops. Madhya Pradesh Warehousing Corporation Chairman Shri Rajendra Singh Rajput, MARKFED Chairman Shri Ramakant Bhargava, Forest Development Corporation Chairman Shri Guru Prasad Sharma and local public representatives were also present on the occasion.
Now, relief at rate of Rs. 10 thousand per hectare: Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that this year, relief in case of loss to crops by natural calamity will be given at the rate of Rs. 10 thousand per hectare instead of Rs. 8,500 per hectare. He said that the government stands by farmers in their hour of crisis. He said that recovery of loan and outstanding electricity bills from hailstorm-affected farmers will be suspended. Short-term loans will be converted to long-term ones and interest will also be paid by the government. The government will pay half of farmers electricity bills and surcharge will be waived. He said that village water tanks will be deepened and canals concretised. He asked the collector to ensure crop insurance scheme’s benefit to affected farmers and explore possibilities of summer crops. Expressing sympathy with affected farmers, Member of Parliament Smt. Sushma Swaraj said that the government will make available every possible assistance to them.
CM visits hailstorm-affected areas in Raisen district: Earlier, Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan visited hailstorm-affected village Manjus Khurd in Gauharganj tahsil of Raisen district. It is noteworthy that crops in 3,500 hectare area in 26 villages of Badi and Gauharganj tahsil were damaged by hailstorm on February 14.
At village Manjus Khurd, Shri Chouhan held discussions with farmers during inspection of crops. He said that he is totally alive to their concerns and no stone will be left unturned in providing relief. He told farmers that the government stands by them.
Chief Minister Shri Chouhan said that surcharge on electricity bills of farmers will be waived. Out of remaining outstanding, the State Government will pay 50 percent while remaining outstanding will be recovered from farmers in instalments. He also announced to suspend recovery of loans from farmers. Shri Chouhan informed that power will be supplied for 24 hours to all the rural households from May this year. He also announced construction of Bagaspur to Manjus Khurd road.
We have come to share grief: Leader of Opposition Smt. Sushma Swaraj said that we have come to share your grief. The State Government is with the affected farmers. She said that state’s Chief Minister realises farmers problems very well. She said that the State Government has changed rules and norms in the larger interest of farmers. Apart from Manjus Khurd, Smt. Swaraj also visited village Bhartipur and held discussions with farmers over there.
MLA Shri Surendra Patwa, MP Agro Chairman Shri Ramkishan Chauhan and Zila Panchayat Chairman Shri Bhanwarlal Porte were also present on the occasion.