Question : Agriculture input Subsidy for Crop Loss due to Natural Calamities

(a) the existing norms of assistance in form of agriculture input subsidy under State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) in case of crop loss due to natural calamities;

(b) whether the existing norms of assistance under SDRF and NDRF provide for expenditure on revival of defunct lift irrigation points, in a disaster-like situation of drought, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(c) whether there have been demands from disaster-prone States like Odisha to enhance the input subsidy provided for crop loss suffered due to natural calamities;

(d) whether the present norms of SDRF/NDRF permit only temporary/ immediate restoration of damaged infrastructure, if so, the reasons therefor; and

(e) whether the Government is considering making necessary amendment in the existing norms and permit full restoration of all damaged infrastructure, caused due to any disaster, out of SDRF/ NDRF?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

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(a): Based on the consideration of the recommendations of the Fourteenth Finance Commission on financing of expenditure on immediate relief during natural disasters for the period 2015-2020 and the report of the Expert Group set up by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Government of India revised the items and norms for assistance from State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) on 08.04.2015. As per these guidelines, assistance towards input subsidy is provided for crop loss of 33% and above. The rates are Rs. 6,800/- per hectare for rainfed crop areas; Rs.13,500/- per hectare for assured irrigated crop areas, subject to a minimum assistance of Rs.1,000/- and restricted to sown area; and Rs.18,000/- per hectare for all types of perennial crops, subject to minimum assistance not less than Rs.2,000/- and restricted to sown areas.

Contd…2/-


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(b) to (e): The following irrigation works are covered under SDRF/NDRF norms :

(i) Immediate repair of damaged canal structures and earthen/masonry works of tanks and small reservoirs with the use of cement, sand and stones.

(ii) Repair of weak areas such as piping or rat holes in dam walls /embankments.

(iii) Removal of vegetative material /building material/debris from canal and drainage system .
(iv) Repair of embankments of minor, medium and major irrigation project.

There is no proposal to amend the existing norms in regard to revival of defunct lift irrigation and full restoration of all damaged infrastructure

The Government of India reviews the list of items and norms normally after the award of successive Finance Commissions. Taking into account various factors, including the price rise, the Government of India revised norms of assistance under SDRF and NDRF on 08.04.2015.






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