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Title: Regarding damage caused to paddy crops due to heavy rain in Kerala.
SHRIMATI C.S. SUJATHA (MAVELIKARA): Sir, paddy worth crores of rupees has been destroyed due to unexpected and unseasonal heavy rains. Heavy rains flooded the paddy fields destroying paddy crop ready for harvest. Over 30,000 acres of paddy crop have been affected causing huge loss to the farmers. In Kuttanad in Alappuzha district of Kerala alone the loss is calculated to be of above Rs.4 crore. Similar damage to crops has happened in all the rice producing districts of Kerala. Hence, I urge upon the Government to extend necessary financial assistance to provide relief to the aggrieved farmers in the State.
Kuttanad in Alappuzha the rice bowl of Kerala is among the areas identified having affected by the severe agrarian crisis. Dr.M.S.Swaminathan Commission’s report recommended a package of Rs.1840 crore. But there are reports that since the Central Budget announced a package of 60,000 crore to farmers, the region/area specific schemes would not be considered. The agriculture sector in the district requires urgent attention and the suggested scheme should be implemented without any delay in order to sustain the agriculture in this area.