MP govt will provide relief to distressed farmers: Chouhan

BHOPAL: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today said his government will provide financial assistance to the farmers facing crop losses due to deficient rainfall and the state has already set aside Rs 1,000 crore for this purpose.

"We have a reserve of Rs 1,000 crore for the farmers whose crops had been hit by scanty rainfall. We fully stand by the farmers in financial distress," Chouhan told reporters today after review of their condition at a meeting here.

"Money won't come in the way of providing relief to farmers," Chouhan said, adding that as per an initial survey, a total number of 19,951 villages of 114 tehsils in 23 districts have been hit by deficient rainfall and these districts have sought financial help of Rs 1,650 crore.

The Chief Minister added that the government would complete a detailed survey of these districts by October 20.

"My government will urge the Centre for financial help. I will personally apprise the Prime Minister about the damage caused to the crops in the state," Chouhan said.