Rs 216.22 cr agriculture input subsidy for Odisha s drought-hit farmers

Bhubaneswar Oct 28 (IANS) The Odisha government on Saturday sanctioned Rs 216.22 crore agriculture input subsidy to the drought-affected farmers of 70 blocks in 15 districts.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik approved the fund to be disbursed among farmers who faced drought situation during the Kharif season this year.

Earlier Patnaik had announced that agriculture input subsidy will be provided to the small and marginal farmers who have sustained crop loss of 33 per cent and above. A sum of Rs 6 800 per hectare of land in rainfed/non-irrigated areas and Rs 13 500 per hectare of land in areas under assured irrigation would be provided under the package he added.

Agriculture input subsidy will also be provided to farmers other than small and marginal farmers at the same rates subject to a ceiling of two hectares per farmer. The assistance shall be provided to the actual cultivators.

--IANS
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