Odisha CM announces special package for cyclone-affected people

Bhubaneswar, Oct 31 (IANS) The Odisha government on Wednesday announced a special package for the people of the state affected by cyclone 'Titli' and the subsequent floods.

As per the package, agriculture input subsidy will be provided to the small and marginal farmers who have sustained crop loss of 33 per cent and above at Rs 6,800 per hectare in rainfed/non-irrigated areas.

The government will give Rs 13,500 per hectare in areas under assured irrigation, and Rs 18,000 per hectare for all types of perennial crops. Perennial crops will include mango, cashew, coconut, kewra and betel vine, according to a statement.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said that two lakh special mini-kits, including 1.20 lakh pulses-kits, 30,000 oilseed mini-kits, and 50,000 vegetable seed-kits will be supplied to the cyclone-affected farmers during the 2018-19 Rabi (winter crop) season.

Some 20,000 hectares of plantation crops affected by cyclone 'Titli' will be rejuvenated along with support for inter-cropping package for three years.

The Chief Minister said that short-term Kharif loans advanced in the affected areas during Kharif 2018 having crop loss of 33 per cent and above shall be converted into medium-term (conversion) loans.

Cyclone 'Titli' hit the Odisha coast on October 11, causing a heavy downpour. 

PATNAIK said that financial assistance of Rs 60,000 per boat and Rs 15,000 per fishing net will be provided for fully and partially damaged boats and nets of marine and Chilka fishermen.

School fees and examination fees up to the High School in government schools shall be waived in the affected areas. Besides, two pairs of school uniforms as well as textbooks shall be provided to children up to elementary school level in the affected areas.