West Bengal has started providing relief to farmers: Agriculture Minister

KOLKATA: West Bengal Agriculture Minister Purnendu Bose today said the state government has started the process of providing relief to farmers affected due to crop losses.

Replying to a question, Bose told the Assembly that the government is providing financial assistance to farmers whose crops have been damaged due to heavy rainfall and hailstorm between February and April.

In the first phase, Rs 68 crore is being disbursed to farmers, while in the second phase around Rs 160 crore would be given, he said.

Bose hoped that the process of distributing financial aid would be completed very soon.

Congress leader Manas Bhuyian said the amount is inadequate as there has been extensive damage to standing crops in many parts of the state.