Rs 8.34 Cr compensation provided to flood-hit farmers: Govt

Srinagar, Feb 8: The government has said it has already disbursed Rs 8.34 crore as compensation to farmers for crop losses caused by floods and the 2025 monsoon, but ruled out any proposal to declare flood-affected agricultural areas as ìspecial relief zonesî to enhance relief.

The information was given in response to a question by BJP legislator Chander Prakash, who sought to know whether the government planned to designate flood-hit agricultural areas as Special Relief Zones to increase compensation for affected farmers.

ìThere is no proposal for declaring flood-affected agricultural areas as ëspecial relief zonesí for enhanced compensation presently under consideration of the government,î the official reply said.

However, the government said relief has already been provided under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) norms.

ìRelief and compensation under SDRF norms on account of damages to agricultural crops due to floods and the 2025 monsoon has been disbursed, amounting to Rs 8.34 crore,î the reply said.

The government also said J&K has submitted sector-wise loss assessments to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, seeking additional assistance as per applicable norms.

ìSector-wise losses have been projected to the Ministry of Home Affairs, including Rs 223.74 crore in respect of the agriculture sector and Rs 14.35 crore in respect of the horticulture sector, along with other damages,î the reply said.