Kerala govt's spl package for Waynad farmers

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 23 (UNI) The Kerala government announced the take-over of loans up to Rs 25,000 lent by Co-operative banks to farmers of Waynad who were reeling under debt.

Talking to newspersons after the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister V S Achutanandan said the concession would be available on loans taken upto June 2006 by small-holders owning upto one acre of land.

Waynad in the recent years had seen a large number of farmer suicides.

Stating that it would entail a commitment of Rs 60 crore to the exchequer, he said the decision was taken based on the recommendations of the State Debt Relief Commission, which considered the case of Wayanad on a priority basis.

The Chief Minister also said the Commission was expected to come out with its reports on other distressed areas like Palakkad and Kuttanad soon.

UNI PN DS AM RK1856