Bhubaneswar, Aug 18: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday announced a special Rs 1,000 crore relief package for flood-affected areas of the state, with nearly 9.40 lakh people impacted by the latest spell of flooding.

Majhi announced the package after reviewing the flood situation in Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar and Kendrapada districts. He said the package has been prepared based on a preliminary assessment and additional funds will be released, if required, after detailed damage reports are received from the affected districts.

The special package focuses on agricultural recovery, restoration of irrigation infrastructure, livelihood support and immediate assistance to affected families.

Under the agricultural assistance component, small and marginal farmers suffering crop losses of 33 per cent or more will receive input subsidies of Rs 8,500 per hectare for non-irrigated land, Rs 17,000 per hectare for irrigated land and Rs 22,500 per hectare for perennial crops.

Financial assistance for paddy and non-paddy seeds will be transferred directly to eligible farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Free vegetable mini-kits will also be provided, while farmers will receive a 75 per cent subsidy for post-flood disease and pest management.

The government has directed officials to undertake repair and restoration of damaged irrigation projects on a war footing. Assistance will also be extended to livestock owners, fishermen and farmers for livestock losses and repair of damaged boats, fishing nets and ponds.

For affected farmers, short-term Kharif loans may be converted into medium-term loans to ease financial pressure caused by crop losses.

The package further provides support to artisans and handloom workers. Those who have lost tools or equipment will receive Rs 5,000, while another Rs 5,000 will be provided towards losses of raw materials or finished products.

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