Gujarat Government Disburses Massive Rs 9,610 Crore Relief Package to Farmers Affected by Unseasonal Rains
In a significant move to support the agricultural community, the Gujarat state government has disbursed a substantial relief package of Rs 9,610 crore to more than 33 lakh farmers who were adversely impacted by unseasonal rains last year. This announcement was made by Governor Acharya Devvrat during his customary address to the state assembly on the first day of the budget session in Gandhinagar on Monday.
Governor Highlights Government's Pro-Farmer Initiatives
Governor Devvrat welcomed the state government's shift towards a "technology-driven" administration and praised its dedicated initiatives in the agriculture sector. He emphasized that this relief package is a crucial step in mitigating the financial hardships faced by cultivators due to unpredictable weather conditions.
"The state government announced a substantial relief package for cultivators who suffered losses due to unseasonal rains last year, disbursing Rs 9,610 crore to more than 33 lakh affected farmers," Devvrat stated in his address. This disbursement is part of a special agricultural relief package designed to provide immediate financial assistance and support recovery efforts.
Central and State Schemes Bolster Farmer Welfare
In addition to the state-level relief, Governor Devvrat highlighted the impact of the Centre's Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme in Gujarat. Under this central initiative, more than Rs 22,000 crore has been directly deposited into the bank accounts of over 69 lakh farmer families in the state. This dual approach of state and central support underscores a comprehensive strategy to enhance farmer welfare and economic stability.
Promotion of Natural Farming Practices
Beyond financial aid, Devvrat also drew attention to the steps taken by the state government to promote natural farming. These initiatives aim to encourage sustainable agricultural practices, reduce dependency on chemical inputs, and improve soil health, thereby fostering long-term resilience among farmers against climate-related challenges.
The governor's address reflects a broader commitment to transforming Gujarat's agricultural landscape through technology, direct benefit transfers, and eco-friendly farming methods. This relief package, coupled with ongoing schemes, is expected to provide much-needed relief and empower farmers to overcome the setbacks caused by last year's unseasonal rains.
