Patna: CM Samrat Choudhary on Wednesday transferred Rs 112 crore through direct benefit transfer (DBT) to 2,48,704 farmers whose crops were damaged by floods triggered by excessive rainfall and a sudden rise in the water levels of several rivers in the last week of Aug this year.The assistance under the Krishi Input Anudan Yojana was released at a programme organised by the agriculture department at Samvad hall in the CM’s secretariat. Officials said DBT was used to ensure transparent and prompt payment to verified beneficiaries in flood-affected areas.Choudhary said providing assistance to farmers during crises remained a priority for the state govt and timely compensation would help affected cultivators resume farming after suffering crop losses.The CM said 4,57,616 farmers had applied for the grant, of whom 2,48,704 received Rs 112 crore in their bank accounts on Wednesday. He directed officials to launch a special campaign after Dussehra, from Oct 22, to ensure that all eligible farmers affected by floods received the grant.Under the scheme, farmers are entitled to get an assistance of Rs 8,500 per hectare for unirrigated crop areas, Rs 17,000 per hectare for irrigated areas and Rs 22,500 per hectare for permanent or perennial crops.Choudhary said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former CM Nitish Kumar had consistently worked for the interests of farmers. He also praised the agriculture, disaster management and other departments for their coordinated efforts during the floods.The state govt, he said, would continue efforts to protect farmers’ interests, improve their financial condition and strengthen the agriculture sector.
