Dhami Announces Big Relief for Uttarakhand Farmers Hit by Hailstorms
CM Pushkar Singh Dhami announces extra aid and KCC loan deferment for Uttarakhand farmers hit by hailstorms.
In a major move to support the agricultural community, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced a comprehensive relief package for farmers devastated by recent hailstorms across the state. The government's intervention aims to cushion the financial blow caused by significant damage to agricultural, horticultural, and sugarcane crops.
Extra Financial Aid for Crop Losses
Recognizing the severe impact of natural disasters on livelihoods, the Chief Minister has directed officials to implement immediate measures to assist affected cultivators. Under the new directives, farmers will receive additional financial assistance that matches the amount prescribed under existing disaster relief norms for crop damage.
This extra support is specifically designed to ensure that farmers can recover from the loss of their primary crops and have sufficient capital to restart their upcoming agricultural and horticultural cycles without falling into a debt trap.
Electricity Bill Deferment and KCC Loan Relief
Beyond direct compensation for crop damage, the state government is introducing measures to ease the immediate cash flow pressures faced by rural households. Key highlights of the relief package include:
- Electricity Bill Deferment: To provide immediate respite, the state government has decided to defer electricity bill payments for the months of October, November, and December for the affected farmers.
- KCC Loan Repayment Relief: In a significant move to protect farmers from mounting interest and debt, the state is actively seeking a three-month deferment on Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loan repayments.
The state government is preparing an official communication to the Union Ministry of Finance to request this crucial extension on KCC loan repayments, providing farmers with the necessary time to stabilize their finances.
Commitment to Farmer Welfare
Emphasizing the government's dedication to the farming community, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that the administration is fully committed to protecting the interests of farmers during such natural calamities. He assured that every possible measure would be taken to safeguard their livelihoods and ensure that agricultural activities in the state continue smoothly despite these challenges.
By combining direct crop compensation with electricity and loan relief, the Uttarakhand government aims to provide a multi-layered safety net for the state's vital agricultural sector.