CM seeks aid for frost-hit MP farmers; threatens to go on fast

Bhopal, Jan 31 (PTI) Madhya Pradesh Chief MinisterShivraj Singh Chouhan has threatened to go on a fast fromFebruary 13, if the Centre fails to release the special reliefpackage sought for frost-affected farmers in the state.

"I will start a fast against the Centre from February 13,if it fails to release the relief package sought for frostaffected farmers and neglects their demands," the ChiefMinister said while addressing development schemesbeneficiaries gathered at state''s second Antyodama Mela, heldat Dussehra Maidan here yesterday.

Chouhan has demanded the Centre to consider individualfarmer as a unit of national agriculture insurance scheme andtake steps for suspending loans, waiving off this year''sinterest interests of nationalised banks and declareremunerative rates for crops.

He said the agitation was meant to ensure that the frostaffected farmers get relief from the Centre.

The Chief Minister said steps will be taken to cover allcrops under the national agriculture insurance scheme and hewill meet the Prime Minister and concerned Union Ministers todemand the release of the special package.

He said Rs 100 per quintal bonus on wheat will continuenext year.

Referring to severe loss of crops due to frost, he saidin Bhopal district alone, Rs 43 crore has been distributed toaffected farmers and Rs 600 crore has been set aside forproviding relief to them.

Stating that the loss of crops is being liberallyassessed, the CM said that relief would be provided for losseven in half an acre.

He appealed to all farmers to have an insurance cover andget compensation for sudden loss.