CHENNAI: Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Wednesday announced a package of assistance for horticulturists in Thane-affected districts. The move will help 3.5 lakh farmers in regaining their livelihood resources.Though compensation is being given for the loss of standing crops, the measure will not suffice to alleviate the sufferings of the farmers who have lost their horticultural crops like jackfruit and cashew and hence she has decided to provide a package of assistance for these farmers, the Chief Minister said in a statement here.Saplings of jackfruit, cashew and coconut will be provided to the farmers free of cost and the government will bear the expenditure towards maintaining these crops for the first one year. The expenditure towards the farm labourers for maintaining these crops will be made through National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. Those farmers who do these jobs in their own lands will also get the wages under the scheme.A mini kit with seeds, fertilizers and pesticides will be provided for one year to farmers who cultivate urad dhall, moong dhall, millets and peanuts. Those who have lost their standing crops of paddy, pulse varieties and oil seeds, will also be given mini kit containing seeds, fertilizers and pesticides for one year. Standing horticultural crops in 2.24 lakh hectares were destroyed by Thane cyclone, the CM said, adding that she had directed disbursal of enhanced compensation for these crops more than what the Centre has specified. The State government has earmarked Rs 210 crore for this purpose. The CM said Thane cyclone had completely devastated the infrastructure facilities in Cuddalore and Villupuram districts and 8,000 personnel of the TNEB have been working overtime to restore power supply in all areas affected by Thane by Pongal festival.
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