Bhopal, 3 October (IANS), in an important step to support the farmers facing crop damage, the Madhya Pradesh government has distributed Rs 653 crore as a compensation for more rainfall and damage caused by yellow mosaic virus.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced that the virus had affected crops in about 3,00,000 hectares in 12 districts of the state.
CM Yadav told the farmers through video conferencing, “This is the first time the compensation amount has been distributed before the crop reached the market,” CM Yadav told the farmers through video conferencing and assured them of equal support in future.
He also confirmed that Bhawant Yojana, which covers the price difference, would be available for further support to the farmers.
Preliminary reports indicate that the virus has spread to major pulse-growing areas.
In Burhanpur, a banana farmer received Rs 3.6 lakh, which highlights the scale of personal loss.
A total of 8,84,880 farmers from 3,554 villages received compensation for crop damage in 6,52,865 hectares.
Of these, 3,90,275 farmers from 1,854 villages were compensated for loss due to excess rainfall and floods, affecting 3,49,498 hectares.
Ratlam district received the highest allocation of Rs 171 crore, followed by Neemuch with Rs 119 crore and Mandsaur with Rs 35 crore.
Agricultural experts estimate that the average yield in the affected areas ranges from 40 percent to 70 percent depending on the infection and severity of the variety of the crop.
The yellow mosaic virus is a devastating plant disease mainly targets soybean and high-protein pulse crops such as urad and moong. This causes yellow, stunted growth of leaves and sharp decline in yield.
Spread by whiteflys, the virus thrives in warm, humid conditions, especially weakened of Madhya Pradesh.
The purpose of the government’s relief package is to provide immediate financial assistance, which has been directly transferred to farmers’ bank accounts through the state’s digital profit system.
The Agriculture Department is conducting a field survey and is using satellite imagery to verify the damage and ensure accurate disruption.
Chief Minister Yadav emphasized the government’s commitment to stand up by farmers during crisis, especially during the festive season.
He also indicated on long -term strategies, including development of disease resistant crop varieties and improving insect management systems.
Farmers across the state have welcomed the announcement, although many people have called for better infrastructure, access to quality seeds and additional support in time.
While compensation provides a lifeline, recovery will require continuous efforts and cooperation between the government, scientists and farming communities. This financial intervention is one of the largest state-level reactions for the outbreak of a plant disease in recent years, which outlines the increasing importance of agricultural flexibility in front of climate-sensitive challenges.
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SKTR/SVN