Package for drought-hit

BHUBANESWAR: After getting flak from the Opposition political parties for ignoring the plight of the farmers in the drought-affected areas of the State, the Government on Saturday announced a package for those who sustained crop loss due to erratic monsoon. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik reviewed the situation at a high-level meeting where decisions were taken to compensate the farmers affected by the drought. There is drought-like situation in 99 of the 314 blocks in the State.  The State Government announced that  Rs. 65 crore would be spent for repair of 1,000 defunct lift irrigation points before December 15 to ensure survival of standing crops. The 99 blocks spread over 16 districts were identified based on the eye estimation reports of district collectors, the sources said.  Besides, it was decided that the 30,000 diesel pump-sets will be provided to the farmers in the drought-affected areas at subsidised rates. The Government has also decided to provide Rs. 5 lakh to each affected block for construction of cross-bundhs for irrigation.  The Government will decide on further assistance for farmers according to the Central guidelines after getting actual harvest report.  The 99 blocks are located in districts of Angul, Bargarh, Bhadrak, Balangir, Boudh, Cuttack, Jharsuguda, Kalahandi, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Nayagarh, Nuapada, Sonepur, Deogarh and Ganjam.   The State Government announced that farmers in the affected areas will be provided non-paddy seeds at 50 per cent subsidy. People in the affected areas will be provided employment through different projects under the MGNREGS. Though it has been raining in several parts of the State during the last two days, reports reaching here from Western Orissa districts said it will not help  improve the situation. There will be, however, some relief on drinking water front.  Besides, large-scale labour migration has also started from the Western Orissa districts. It was decided that massive works under the MGNREGS will be taken up to check the ugly trend. Chief Secretary Bijay Kumar Patnaik, Development Commissioner RN Senapati and secretaries of various departments were present.