MP govt seeks central assistance for farmers, to combat naxalites

New Delhi, Mar 26 (UNI) Madhya Pradesh Governor Balram Jakhar today met Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil and Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar and sought central assistance to deal with the naxalite problem and for calamity hit farmers of the state.

Mr Jakhar apprised Mr Patil of the growing naxalite menace in the state. Pointing out that the CRPF has been withdrawn from the naxalite hit Balaghat district, he urged Mr Patil to redeploy it.

He said that Mandla, Sidhi and Shahdol districts have also reported naxalite activities and the state government has equipped the police force with modern weapons to combat naxalism.

The Governor informed the Agriculture Minister about the crop loss caused by the recent hailstorm and excessive rains which also claimed lives of 85 people and 1083 cattle heads. The crops in 511905 hectare has been badly hit and as per initial estimates the crop loss is about Rs 2000 crore.

The state government has distributed Rs 332 lakh as relief to the affected farmers and has sought Rs 657 crore central assistance.

Dr Jakhar also urged Mr Pawar to ensure assistance to the calamity hit farmers of the state. Mr Pawar assured him all possible help from the Centre and said that a central team would be sent to Madhya Pradesh next week.

UNI AJ YA KN1722