TN allocates Rs 100 crore more to flood-hit farmers

The Tamil Nadu government has allocated an additional Rs 100 crore to compensate farmers for the damages caused by cyclone Nisha, which hit the state’s coastal belts in November. The government also said it would increase the insurance claim to farmers from Rs 4,000 to Rs 7,500 under the National Agriculture Insurance Scheme.

According to the state revenue department, Rs 387.85 crore is required for providing compensation towards crop loss in the flood-affected districts. The department had requested the government to sanction Rs 187.85 crore more funds, of which the government provided Rs 100 crore. 

The government is paying Rs 7,500 per hectare to farmers for the damaged paddy crops. For all other crops, the relief amount will be as per the Calamity Relief Fund norms.

Last month, the state government had sanctioned Rs 550 crore from its Calamity Relief Fund to undertake relief and rehabilitation measures for the people affected by Nisha. The government, it is learnt, has also asked NAIS to extend the coverage deadline this season so that the farmers are compensated adequately. 

However, a senior NAIS representative told Business Standard, “there is no question of extending the deadline since the principle of insurance is that it should be done before there was any visible damage to the crop.”