Gandhinagar

Urban Development Minister, Government of India, Shri Venkaiah Naidu today held review meeting with Gujarat Chief Minister, senior ministers and government officers in Gandhinagar on agriculture sector situation in Gujarat in connection with recent unseasonal rains.

Speaking briefly to media persons after meeting Shri Naidu said that central government will think about extending help to farmers who have suffered damage in range of 25 to 50%.

It should be mentioned that as per the present rules, the government can extend help to farmers only when their standing crop suffers over 50% damage due to natural calamity.

Following recent unseasonal rains, the government conducted survey and found that damage was less than 50%.

Naidu was of opinion that if at all centre decides to help farmers who have suffered loss in range of 25-50%, then such decision needs to be implemented across all 7-8 affected states. Therefore the decision will be taken in this regard only after consultation in Delhi.

Naidu was joined by union minister Hansraj Ahir.

Naidu said increase in fix limit of assistance to farmers is also under consideration.

-DeshGujarat