In a significant move aimed at alleviating the hardships faced by farmers in violence-hit districts of Manipur, the state government commenced the distribution of monetary packages under the Compensatory Packages for Farmers Affected by Violence initiative.
On Monday Chief Minister N Biren Singh, along with Agriculture Minister Th Biswajit and other ministers, MLAs and officials presided over the distribution ceremony at the CM Secretariat in Imphal.
A total of 3,483 farmers from 10 districts received monetary assistance amounting to Rs 18.37 crore in the first phase of the programme.
Chief Minister N Biren highlighted the dire situation faced by farmers, citing that ongoing violence has rendered approximately 15,437 hectares of paddy land unsuitable for cultivation.
Stating that a total of 5,901 farmers had applied for the verification process, he said that of the total farmers 19 were cancelled due to duplication while irregularities in documents were found in 2,399 farmers.
In regards to the 2,399 farmers, CM Biren urged them for the re-verification process through their respective DCs so that they can also avail the benefits, once they are eligible.
Announcing that all the 3,483 eligible beneficiaries have availed the benefits through DBT, he expressed regret for the delay caused by procedures.
Assuring the farmers that the government is committed to expediting the process, he emphasised that the central government has allocated a total of Rs 38.6 crore to compensate farmers affected by violence.
The state government remains dedicated to ensuring that all eligible beneficiaries receive the assistance they deserve, he added.
The distribution breakdown reveals that beneficiaries from various districts have been included in the first phase of the initiative. In Imphal East, 199 farmers received assistance while Imphal West saw 360 beneficiaries, Bishnupur 1,031, Thoubal 25, Jiribam 51, Chandel 142, Kangpokpi 272, Churachandpur 1,137, Tengnoupal 35 and Kakching 231.
