Farmers’ hard labour will not be allowed to go waste: CM

Bhopal: Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan visited field of farmer Shri Ram Singh at village Sagda in Lateri development block of Vidisha district on Wednesday and inspected loss due to hailstorm to crops of gram, wheat and coriander. He said that he will not let farmers’ hard labour go waste. We will unitedly face the crisis generated by natural calamity. Shri Chouhan informed that now Rs. 15000 per hectare relief will be given on loss to irrigated crops of wheat and gram and Rs. 25,000 per hectare on coriander crop.
The Chief Minister informed about decisions taken in the interest of affected farmers. He said that loan recovery from affected farmers has been suspended. Short-term loans have been converted to mid-term ones. Interest will also be paid by the State Government. Surcharge on electricity bills for irrigation has been waived. Shri Chouhan informed that half of the original amount will be paid by the government while farmers will be allowed to pay remain half amount in instalments. He said that affected farmers will be provided food grains at BPL rates for four months.
Public Relations Minister Shri Laxmikant Sharma said that the State Government will compensate maximum loss. Affected farmers should not get depressed since they will be provided every possible assistance at every stage. Relief works will also be started in the area. Shri Sharma informed that 65 villages in Lateri development block and 48 in Sironj have been affected by hailstorm. The revenue staff is undertaking survey in these villages. Shri Sharma gave away cheques worth Rs. 9 lakh 41 from his discretionary fund to 138 beneficiaries.