Centre assures support to flood-hit farmers in Jammu and Kashmir

NEW DELHI: Assuring support to flood-hit farmers in Jammu and Kashmir, the Centre today asked the state government to utilise Rs 209 crore available under the State Disaster Relief Fund ( SDRF) to compensate them from any crop loss.

"Due to excessive rains in Jammu and Kashmir over past 2-3 days, a flood like situation has developed in many parts of the state.

"The central government has assured the state government to make available all possible help," the Union Agriculture Ministry said in a statement.

The state government has an amount of Rs 209.70 crore available under SDRF as on February 13, 2015, it said.

"Out of this amount, the state government can disburse input subsidy to farmers in respect of crops which have suffered more than 50 per cent losses," it added.

Officials of Agriculture Department are in constant touch with the state government, it said.

"As soon as flood waters recede, the central government officials will assess the losses," it added.

Rice, wheat, maize, pulses, barley and fruits like apple and cherry, among other crops, are grown in the state.