By TC News Desk
Agartala, 26th June 2024: In a significant move to support the agricultural community, the Tripura Government has sanctioned Rs 23.21 crore to aid approximately 81,000 farmers impacted by Cyclone Medhili last year.
Addressing a press conference at the Civil Secretariat, Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath emphasized the state’s commitment to standing by its farmers. He highlighted that agriculture is pivotal for the state’s self-reliance and assured that farmers affected by natural disasters receive aid through the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), if covered under these schemes.
Cyclone Medhili, which struck between November 16 and 18, 2023, devastated 23,171 hectares of paddy fields, impacting 58,210 farmers. Minister Nath stated, “After conducting a thorough survey, we reported the damages to the Revenue Department and calculated the compensation at Rs 8,500 per hectare, totaling Rs 14.18 crore.”
The minister detailed the district-wise impact, noting that South Tripura was the hardest hit with 14,801 affected farmers, followed by Gomati with 9,616 farmers, and West Tripura with 6,736 farmers.
In addition to paddy, various horticultural crops such as tomatoes, cauliflower, cabbage, and flowers were severely affected. The Horticulture Department reported that 20,078 farmers suffered losses amounting to Rs 7.38 crore. “We have secured funds for all affected horticulture farmers, and an event will be held on July 4 to disburse these funds through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT),” Nath announced.
Furthermore, the PMFBY assessed the damages for insured farmers, determining that 874 and 2,139 farmers incurred losses due to the cyclone. These farmers will receive compensation totaling Rs 1.03 crore.
