Thiruvananthapuram, 08 Oct (H.S.):Kerala’s Agriculture Department has reduced funding for its emergency assistance scheme for farmers to ₹4 crore this financial year, down from ₹7.5 crore last year, as the state’s agricultural sector faces losses caused by natural disasters, pests and diseases.

The ₹3.5 crore reduction affects a scheme that provides the state’s share of assistance for farmers suffering crop damage and supports urgent measures to prevent and control pest and disease outbreaks.

Administrative sanction for the revised allocation was issued following a fresh recommendation from the Agriculture Director. The programme must be completed by March 31, 2027.

Of the sanctioned amount, ₹3.5 crore has been earmarked for disaster relief and emergency measures against pests and diseases. The remaining ₹50 lakh will cover the maintenance of a reserve stock of seeds for quick distribution and the settlement of outstanding payments from previous years.

The seed reserve is intended to make planting material available promptly when farmers need it. Both seed stocking and the clearance of earlier arrears will have to be accommodated within this component of the allocation.

The funding cut comes amid continuing challenges to agriculture from extreme weather, climate change and recurring pest and disease attacks. These threats form the basis of the emergency support covered by the scheme.

To ensure transparent delivery of assistance, the department has made registration on its Agriculture Information Management System, known as the AIMS portal, mandatory for farmers seeking benefits.

The department has also instructed implementing authorities to use the sanctioned money strictly for the purposes specified under the programme. Funds should be put to use and must not remain idle in bank accounts.

The sanction expressly prohibits using the allocation to create new posts or purchase vehicles, directing expenditure towards the approved relief, preventive measures, seed reserves and arrears before the scheme’s March completion deadline.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman