Delhi: AAP government approves Rs 36 crore compensation fund for farmers

The Delhi government on Thursday approved a Rs 36-crore compensation fund for the farmers hit by unseasonal rains and hailstorm in the national capital.

The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

According a senior official, the assessment of affected crops have been estimated at 19,000 acres of land. Around 30,000 to 40,000 farmers will be compensated.

"Cabinet has approved a fund of Rs 36 crore as compensation to the farmers. It is initial amount which can also be revised," the official said. On April 11, Kejriwal had announced a compensation of Rs 20,000 per acre of damaged crops.

Kejriwal had also explained that the compensation amount was agreed upon following the survey conducted by officials and objections by farmers if any about the extent of loss will be decided in the panchayat meetings where respective MLAs and concerned officials of the area will remain present.

The government is also planning to provide subsidy to farmers on the purchase of seeds and fertilisers. He said the development department is preparing its plan to implement this measure.