PANAJI
In a big boost to farmers who have been suffering severe losses to their crops due to unforeseen circumstances, the State government has almost doubled the compensation rate to be given to them.
The government recently notified the revised crop damage compensation scheme (Shetkari Adhar Nidhi) for release or grant of compensation to farmers affected by various factors.
The compensation rate has almost doubled compared to the earlier rates that were notified in 2015. The maximum limit for grants has also been increased.
Farmers who suffer losses due to floods, drought, cyclonic rains, landslide and siltation, epidemic of pest and diseases, unseasonal rains, accidental fire, lightning, cloud burst, earthquake, wild animals etc would be eligible for compensation.
With the new notification, along with farmers, NGOs, Self-Help Groups, Farmer Clubs, Institutes and Organisations will also be entitled to get benefits from the scheme.
As per the new notification, for crops like paddy, vegetables, pulses, flowers, ragi, seasonal fruits like watermelons, turmeric etc the compensation has been hiked to Rs 40,000 per hectare compared to the earlier Rs 25,000 per ha.
For banana plantations, farmers will get Rs 700 per fruit bearing plant, (earlier Rs 400). The compensation of other varieties of banana has also been hiked.
The scheme also covers damage to field crops, horticulture crops, spices, medicinal plants, floriculture, losses to infrastructure such as farm retaining wall, fencing, well, irrigation system and pipeline, pump and green houses.
