Date:31/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/31/stories/2008103159420300.htm

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Rain: State loses Rs. 29.7 crore

Special Correspondent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State suffered a loss of Rs.29.69 crore in the heavy rains and flooding last week, Agriculture Minister Mullakkara Ratnakaran said here on Thursday.

Addressing a press meet, the Minister said that the details of the losses had been communicated to the Centre for assistance. The anticipated damage from flooding of the paddy fields did not occur as the waters had receded. The heaviest damage was in Wayanad district. The government had sanctioned Rs.8 crore to the Collectors for providing relief. Of this, Rs.5 crore was to be used to compensate farmers.

The distribution of green cards to paddy cultivators, as promised earlier, would be inaugurated on November 1 at Palakkad.

The card would contain details about the farmers and their family, their land holdings, loans availed and assistance received from the government. It would also carry information on their health status and coverage under insurance schemes.