Government releases Rs 232 Crores

The State Government has come to the rescue of the drought-hit farmers as it has released Rs 232 crore as input subsidy under the State and National Disaster Response Funds.

The small and marginal farmers, whose kharif and rabi crops suffered over 50 per cent loss due to the dry spell during 2011-12 are eligible to avail Rs 1,000 per hectare for rainfed crop and Rs 2,000 for horticulture crops as temporary relief.

Those who have availed benefits under the Suvarna Bhoomi Yojana and potato growers are not eligible. It is strictly stipulated to 123 taluks that were declared drought-hit by the government.

A copy of the government order available with the Express states that the government had instructed Deputy Commissioners of all drought-hit districts (2011- 12) to identify small and marginal farmers, who have suffered over 50 per cent crop loss, to disburse the relief amount.

Mandya district has got the maximum amount of Rs 28.41 crore under the relief package. Chitradurga district received Rs 11.31 crore while Dharwad has got Rs 99.86 lakh, which is the least amount.

Under the NDRF/SDRF, small and marginal farmers can avail compensation to the tune of Rs 3,000 per hectare for rainfed land, Rs 6,000 for irrigated land and Rs 8,000 for all types of horticulture crops.

Except small and marginal farmers, others are eligible to get a compensation of Rs 3,000 per hectare for rainfed, Rs 6,000 for irrigated and Rs 8,000 for horticulture crops subject to a ceiling of one hectare (2.5 acres), in case of successive calamities, irrespective of holding being large.