Uttar Pradesh: ₹492 Crore Relief for 9 Lakh Farmers Hit by Floods and Excessive Rainfall

बलरामपुर उत्तर प्रदेश | अनिरुद्ध प्रताप शुक्ल

Direct Benefit Transfer for Disaster-Affected Farmers

In a significant move to provide financial security to farmers impacted by natural calamities, the Uttar Pradesh government has digitally transferred ₹492 crore as agricultural investment grant to the accounts of over nine lakh farmers across the state. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath released the funds from Gorakhpur.

The primary objective of this initiative is to compensate for crop losses incurred due to disasters such as floods, excessive rainfall, hailstorms, and cyclones, thereby offering immediate financial succor to the 'annadata' (food providers).

Extensive Preparations in Balrampur District

The district administration in Balrampur made extensive preparations for the implementation of this government scheme. Special programs were organized at the Collectorate auditorium as well as in the three tehsils of the district – Balrampur Sadar, Tulsipur, and Utraula. A live telecast of the Chief Minister's main address was broadcast at all these locations, allowing affected farmers to connect directly with him.

District Magistrate Dr. Vipin Kumar Jain and the representative of the Sadar MLA, Block Pramukh Govind Sonkar, participated in the main program held at the Collectorate.

Priority for Disaster-Affected Farmers

Addressing the farmers present at the event, District Magistrate Dr. Vipin Kumar Jain emphasized that providing immediate financial assistance to disaster-affected farmers, in accordance with the standards set by the government, is the administration's top priority. He clarified that the Revenue and Agriculture departments work together to accurately assess crop damage, ensuring that every eligible farmer receives the benefit of the scheme.

The District Magistrate issued strict instructions to the concerned officials to complete verification and documentation formalities in a time-bound manner, so that no eligible farmer is deprived of government aid.

Transparency and Ease through DBT

The most significant feature of this new government system is the direct transfer of funds through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The District Magistrate highlighted the importance of this system, stating that the direct credit of money into farmers' bank accounts ensures transparency throughout the process and eliminates the role of middlemen.

This enables farmers to receive the necessary capital for their upcoming agricultural activities on time, which is crucial for the smooth continuation of farming operations.

Awareness and Appreciation at Tehsil Level

At the tehsil-level programs, Sub-Divisional Magistrates and Revenue Department officials familiarized farmers with the intricacies of the agricultural investment grant scheme. They provided detailed information about the scheme's objectives, eligibility criteria, and application procedures.

Farmers who attended the programs listened attentively to the Chief Minister's virtual address and openly appreciated this significant step taken by the government. Officials from the Agriculture Department also provided present farmers with technical information and suggestions for their next crops after enduring the current season's adverse weather.

This is an extremely important and positive initiative aimed at reducing the heavy financial burden on farmers caused by crop destruction due to natural disasters. The government's effort not only provides immediate relief to farmers but also instills in them the courage and confidence to continue farming even in adverse circumstances.

A large number of farmers, local representatives, and various departmental employees were present during the conclusion of the program, contributing significantly to the smooth execution of this distribution process. The administration has also clarified that it will remain vigilant towards natural disasters in the future, protect the interests of farmers, and continue to provide them with all possible assistance.