CM Majhi Announces ₹1,000 Crore Flood Relief Package for Odisha, Farmers Get Priority

CM Majhi Announces ₹1,000 Crore Flood Relief Package for Odisha, Farmers Get Priority

Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday announced a special ₹1,000 crore relief package for people affected by the ongoing floods, with a strong focus on farmers, damaged infrastructure and immediate rehabilitation.

The package is based on a preliminary assessment and may be increased after a detailed evaluation of the damage. Chairing a high-level meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan, Majhi said lack of funds would not come in the way of restoring normalcy in flood-hit areas.

The Chief Minister said Odisha received more than 1,100 mm of rainfall between June and August, around 34% above normal and the highest in 25 years.

Majhi had earlier visited severely affected areas of Jajpur and Bhadrak, travelling by road, boat and on foot to assess the ground situation. He inspected relief arrangements, checked the quality of cooked food at a relief centre in Jajpur and interacted with affected residents in Bhadrak.

Flooding has affected Baleshwar, Mayurbhanj, Kendujhar, Kendrapara, Jajpur and Bhadrak. More than 9.40 lakh people across 1,381 villages and 74 blocks have been affected, while over 3.70 lakh people have been moved to safer locations. Around 550 relief camps are currently providing cooked food. Relief and rescue operations involve 45 ODRAF, eight NDRF and 65 Fire Service teams.

CM Majhi’s 10-Point Relief Package

1. Agricultural Input Subsidy: Farmers suffering 33% or more crop loss will receive up to two hectares of assistance — ₹8,500 per hectare for non-irrigated land, ₹17,000 for irrigated land and ₹22,500 for perennial crops.
2. Seed Assistance: Farmers will receive financial support through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to purchase paddy and non-paddy seeds, including pulses such as black gram.
3. Vegetable and Pest Management Support: Free vegetable mini-kits will be provided, along with a 75% subsidy for pest and disease management after the floods.
4. Lift Irrigation Repairs: Damaged lift irrigation points will be repaired on an urgent basis to restore agricultural operations.
5. Compensation for Losses: Assistance will be provided for livestock losses as well as damage to boats, fishing nets and ponds.
6. Crop Loan Restructuring: Eligible farmers willing to opt for it can have short-term Kharif crop loans converted into medium-term agricultural loans.
7. Support for Artisans: Financial assistance of ₹5,000 each will be provided for damaged tools and equipment, as well as raw materials or finished products affected in the handicraft and handloom sectors.
8. Infrastructure Restoration: Damaged roads, canals and embankments will undergo immediate temporary repairs, followed by permanent restoration after detailed damage assessments.
9. Food and Additional Relief: Cooked or dry food will continue to be supplied until normalcy returns, along with additional relief rice.
10. Household Assistance: Affected families will receive financial support to replace damaged utensils, household items and clothing.

Reaffirming the government's commitment to flood-affected people, Majhi said the administration would continue to stand with them throughout the relief and recovery process.

The high-level meeting was attended by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, Rajya Sabha MP Manmohan Samal, the Chief Secretary, Development Commissioner, Additional Chief Secretaries, departmental secretaries and Special Relief Commissioner.