The Manik Saha Government in Tripura has green signalled a substantial aid package of Rs 23.21 crore to assist approximately 81,000 farmers affected by Cyclone Medhili in the later half of 2023. Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath announced this decision during a press conference at the Civil Secretariat in Agartala.
Nath highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector, stating, “Agriculture is the only possible way to become self-reliant.” He outlined various support mechanisms available to farmers affected by natural disasters, including the State Disaster Response Fund or SDRF and the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana or PMFBY.
Cyclone Medhili, which struck from November 16 to 18, 2023, caused damage to 23,171 hectares of paddy cultivation, affecting 58,210 farmers. The government has allocated Rs 14.18 crore for these farmers, based on a compensation rate of Rs 8,500 per hectare.
South Tripura district was the worst affected, with 14,801 affected farmers, followed by Gomati (9,616 farmers) and West Tripura (6,736 farmers).
In addition to paddy, the horticulture sector suffered significant losses, impacting crops such as tomatoes, cauliflower, cabbage, and flowers. The government has earmarked Rs 7.38 crore to aid 20,078 affected horticulture farmers.
Under the PMFBY scheme, Rs 1.03 crore will be provided as separate compensation to 3,013 insured farmers, who incurred losses due to the cyclone.
Nath announced that the funds would be disbursed to farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) during an event scheduled for July 4.
