Tamil Nadu CM announces over Rs 2000 cr package to farmers

CHENNAI: In a major relief to over one lakh farmers in Cauvery Delta region, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on Friday announced a relief package worth over Rs 2000 crore, including Rs 15,000 per acre, as compensation for crop loss in the wake of failure of monsoon and river-sharing dispute with neighbouring Karnataka.

Further, with deficient rainfall across the state, 31 districts other than Chennai will be declared as "drought-hit" and land tax for farmers will be waived here, she said in her reply to the week-long discussion on Governor's address to the House.

Jayalalithaa made a total of 15 announcements including rescheduling of crop loans and more sops under MNREGA in connection with the agriculture sector. She also announced cash relief to families of nine farmers who had committed suicide.

Jayalalithaa, however, insisted that their death was not connected to crop-loss as being alleged by some sections, but the step was taken "considering the plight of their families." She announced Rs three lakh each to the family.

The state will send a Drought Memorandum to Centre seeking compensation, she said.