Centre Announces Relief for Flood-Hit Farmers in J&K, Says Shivraj Chouhan

In a strong show of solidarity with flood-affected communities, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, visited the border village of Badyal Brahmana in R.S. Pura, Jammu and Kashmir, to assess the damage caused by recent floods. The Minister personally inspected agricultural fields submerged by floodwaters and interacted with farmers whose livelihoods have been devastated.

Central Support Assured for J&K

Addressing a gathering of flood victims, Shri Chouhan reaffirmed that the Central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi stands firmly with the people of Jammu and Kashmir in this time of crisis. He assured that all possible assistance would be provided once the J&K government submits its formal report on damages.

He informed the gathering that teams from the Ministries of Home Affairs, Jal Shakti, Rural Development, and Agriculture had already surveyed affected areas and were preparing detailed assessments. “Once the reports are in, the Centre will leave no stone unturned to provide timely relief and rehabilitation,” the Minister stated.

Relief Announcements for Farmers and Workers

After his field visit, Shri Chouhan chaired a review meeting with the J&K government in Jammu city, followed by a press briefing where he announced a package of immediate relief measures:

• PM-Kisan Support: One instalment under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme will be released immediately to flood-affected farmers.

• MGNREGA Enhancement: Workers in affected areas will receive an additional 50 man-days under MGNREGA, raising the annual entitlement to 150 days.

• Livestock Compensation: Farmers whose domestic animals perished in the floods will be compensated.

• Housing Relief: Around 5,000 damaged houses will be rebuilt under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), with each family receiving ₹1.3 lakh plus provision for toilets.

• Self-Help Groups (SHGs): A grant of ₹76 crore will be released to SHGs, which have also suffered losses during the floods.

Practical Solutions for Farmers

In a pragmatic suggestion, Shri Chouhan said that the sand deposited in fields due to floods should be treated as a resource. He directed that the Mining Department of J&K relax rules to allow affected farmers to use this sand, potentially turning a loss into an opportunity.

Utilisation of Disaster Funds

Highlighting available resources, Shri Chouhan noted that the J&K Government has ₹2,499 crore earmarked for disaster management, which will be utilized for immediate relief and rehabilitation. He further assured that additional Central funds would be made available if required.

The Minister also emphasized that the renovation of damaged canals, embankments, and irrigation channels will be taken up urgently with Central assistance, ensuring the restoration of agricultural infrastructure.

A Commitment to Farmers’ Recovery

While acknowledging the immense hardships faced by farming communities, Shri Chouhan praised their resilience and assured that the Government’s priority was to restore livelihoods, rebuild homes, and rejuvenate agriculture in the flood-hit areas.

“This is not just relief but a commitment to rebuild lives and livelihoods. Farmers, workers, and families affected by the floods will not be left alone,” he affirmed.

The visit and announcements underline the Centre’s focus on comprehensive disaster response, combining financial relief, infrastructure restoration, and social support to help Jammu and Kashmir recover from the recent devastation.