The Tamil Nadu government on Thursday announced a ₹186 crore relief package for maize farmers affected by infestation of the Fall Army Worm, a pest found to attack corn crops.
Chief Minister K Palaniswami said the worm infestation has affected over 2.20 lakh hectares of maize crop out of the 3.55 lakh hectares in 17 districts of the State in 2018.
Making a suo motu statement in the State Assembly, he said this issue has affected 2.93 lakh farmers in 17 districts and announced a relief of ₹13,500 per hectare and ₹7,410 per hectare, under two different plantation types.
“A total relief of ₹186.25 crore will be given” from the State Disaster Relief Fund, he said. He said he had directed officials concerned to swiftly assess the damage caused to the maize crops.
The chief minister further said he has ordered for steps to be taken for the prevention of infestation of the worm, besides creating awareness among farmers.
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