With unseasonal rains accompanied by hailstorm — since the beginning of March — causing large-scale destruction of crops, mainly wheat, pulses and potato, and about half a dozen farmers reported to have died in the wake of economic distress, the recovery of main types of debt and revenue realisation in the affected districts of Uttar Pradesh has been suspended with immediate effect.
Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has ordered the release of Rs. 200 crore from the State contingency fund for relief and rehabilitation measures. An official spokesman said Mr. Yadav has directed Chief Secretary Alok Ranjan that debt realisation should be suspended with immediate effect. Mr. Yadav has also said there should be no coercive action against the farmers, who have suffered on account of the crop loss.
Mr. Yadav has also directed Mr. Ranjan to give Rs. 5 lakh to the next of kin of those farmers who have died following the crop loss. The quantum of loss will be known only after the report of the District Magistrates is submitted to the government.
