The Gujarat government has made significant progress in providing financial relief to farmers affected by recent unseasonal rainfall. State Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia announced on Tuesday that a substantial sum of Rs 6,805 crore has already been transferred to beneficiaries as part of a major compensation package.
Details of the Compensation Package and Disbursement
Minister Modhwadia revealed that the state administration had announced a comprehensive Rs 10,000 crore compensation package aimed at supporting cultivators who suffered agricultural losses. The initiative has seen an overwhelming response, with 33 lakh farmers submitting applications for aid under the scheme.
Out of these applications, the authorities have approved claims from more than 27 lakh farmers. The minister confirmed that the approved amount of Rs 6,805 crore has been directly deposited into the bank accounts of over 22.9 lakh beneficiaries. The process of providing assistance to the remaining eligible farmers is currently ongoing, ensuring no affected individual is left behind.
Compensation Structure and Record MSP Registrations
The compensation framework provides financial aid of Rs 22,000 per hectare for crop damage. The policy sets a maximum compensation limit for two hectares, meaning each eligible farmer can receive up to Rs 44,000 in total relief funds.
In a related positive development, Minister Modhwadia highlighted a remarkable surge in registrations for the sale of agricultural produce under government-supported Minimum Support Prices (MSP). This year, a record 10.11 lakh farmers have registered for the scheme. This figure marks a dramatic increase compared to the previous year, when only 4 lakh farmers had registered to sell their produce at assured MSP rates.
Ongoing Efforts and Impact
The government's swift action in disbursing funds underscores its commitment to stabilizing the agricultural sector following the climatic setback. The direct benefit transfer ensures transparency and immediate liquidity for farming families to prepare for the next sowing season. The substantial increase in MSP registrations further indicates growing farmer engagement with institutional support mechanisms, which can lead to better price realization and income security.
The relief package and its ongoing implementation from Gandhinagar are critical steps in mitigating the economic distress caused by the unseasonal rains and in bolstering the resilience of the state's agrarian community.
