Source : The Hindu Date : 17.06.2009
Crisis management cell launched for farmers
Special Correspondent
Thiruvananthapuram: Farmers suffering crop loss due to natural disasters can now look forward to faster assessment of damage and easier settlement of compensation.
The Department of Agriculture has opened a State-level crisis management cell at the directorate here.
Seed money
The cell will coordinate the activities of the crisis management centres in Alappuzha, Thrissur and Palakkad districts. The department has earmarked an amount of Rs.5.05 crore as seed money for the cell.
The cell is chaired by the Director of Agriculture. The District Collector and officials in the departments of Agriculture, Irrigation, Power and Civil Supplies are the members.
The primary aim of the cell will be to assess crop damage and facilitate easier settlement. The modus operandi will be to convene a meeting of farmers and local-level officials as soon as reports about crop loss due to natural calamities are confirmed.
The report from the affected area will be forwarded to the State cell for immediate settlement.
The cell will initiate action for reconstruction of damaged bunds, replanting of crops damaged in floods, distribution of seeds and cleaning and pumping out water from flooded fields. It will also ensure the availability of agricultural equipment, labourers and machines and provide support for harvesting and marketing of produce
