Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan sought detailed information regarding unseasonal rains in State during a meeting with officials on Saturday morning. He said that Government stands with farmers and directed to start work of damage assessment in sincere manner in affected districts immediately. He said that necessary help will be provided to farmers after survey. He directed that report of survey should be pasted at Panchayat office so that farmers concerned can get apprised of crop damage information which came in survey. He said that according to rules, benefit of crop insurance scheme should also be provided to farmers.

 

Along with loss of crops, assistance should also be provided in cases of loss of life and cattle. An amount of Rs 4 lakhs each should be given to affected families as per provision for loss of life. Agriculture and Revenue Department should conduct joint inspection. According to provision of Revenue Book Circular 6-4, eligible affected people should be given all possible assistance. It was informed in meeting that there have been unseasoned rains in about 15 to 20 districts of State. Hailstorm also lashed sundry parts. Damage is currently being assessed.

 

Reports will be received from affected districts soon. Reports of rain in districts were received on Friday evening. Rainfall has occurred in two-three districts of West Madhya Pradesh and also in Chambal region. The damage to crops has been partial which is being assessed. Reports of deaths of seven persons due to lightening have also been received. Loss of cattle has been reported in some places. Chief Secretary Iqbal Singh Bains, Agriculture Production Commissioner K K Singh, Principal Secretary (Agriculture) Ajit Kesari and Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Manish Rastogi were present in the meeting.