Charaideo, Aug 2: Assam Minister Pijush Hazarika on Sunday inaugurated a community paddy seed-sowing programme in Charaideo district to help farmers affected by the recent floods resume cultivation and recover from crop losses.
The programme, organised by the Charaideo District Agriculture Department in association with Moran MLA Suruj Dihingia, was held at the Khilaguri High School playground in Moran. Hazarika launched the sowing of the CR Dhan-310 paddy variety in a community nursery.
Addressing the media, the minister said the initiative formed part of the state government’s efforts to restore agricultural activities in flood-hit areas. He said interim financial assistance of Rs 15,000 and Rs 10,000 had already been provided to affected farmers, adding that compensation could be enhanced to between Rs 1.5 lakh and Rs 2 lakh after the final assessment of crop losses, wherever applicable.
Hazarika said the government had also waived one year’s land revenue and one month’s electricity bills for flood-affected people. For areas still under water, he said plans were being prepared to promote rabi crop cultivation and horticulture once floodwaters recede.
The minister said families whose houses were damaged had received 20 to 30 sheets of roofing tin, along with bamboo, thatching materials and clothing, to support reconstruction.
Responding to criticism by Leader of the Opposition Akhil Gogoi over the government’s flood response, Hazarika said people were satisfied with the relief measures. He also assured that construction of the proposed 20-km embankment from Simoluguri to Bihubar would begin once the required land was made available.
“The government will never leave people to fend for themselves during natural disasters such as floods. We will continue to stand by them and extend all possible support,” he said.
Moran MLA Suruj Dihingia and Rajya Sabha MP Jogen Mohan also attended the programme.
