PANAJI: Farmers facing crop loss can now avail of higher compensation from the state government as it has revised the Shetkari Adhar Nidhi scheme. Earlier, the maximum benefit per farmer was Rs 25,000 per hectare, which has now been increased to Rs 40,000 per hectare. A farmer can claim a maximum of up to four hectares.
Damages that are caused due to floods, drought, cyclonic rains, landslide and siltation, an epidemic of pest and diseases, unseasonal rains, accidental fire, lightning, cloud burst, earthquake and attacks by wild animals will be considered for compensation. To be eligible, farmers must cultivate the land with a valid Krishi Card. NGOs, self-help groups, farmers’ clubs, institutes and organisations engaged in agricultural activities with valid Krishi Card issued by the government are also eligible.
The compensation will be evaluated as per actual damages or actual evaluation done by the concerned zonal agriculture officer.
Maximum compensation per farmer will be limited to Rs 1.6 lakh for maximum four hectares or as per actual evaluation of the losses whichever is less. In case of sugarcane crop also, the maximum assistance will be Rs 1.6 lakh at Rs 60,000 per hectare or as per actual evaluation whichever is less.
The standard loss for various crops is calculated in consideration of total crop loss. However, wherever partial loss of the crop occurs the compensation shall be restricted to actual loss, evaluated by the officer.