Kerala Requests ₹110 Crore from Centre for Flood-Affected Farmers

The Kerala government has formally requested ₹110 crore in emergency financial assistance from the Centre to address extensive damage to the agricultural sector caused by last week's torrential rains and floods. Agriculture Minister T. Siddique confirmed the appeal, noting that losses to the farm sector have been estimated at ₹99.29 crore as of Thursday evening.

Over 36,000 Farmers Impacted

The floods have affected 36,829 farmers and damaged approximately 3,264 hectares of agricultural land across the state. Minister Siddique revealed that he has written to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, urging immediate action to mitigate the crisis. "I have sent a letter requesting ₹110 crore in emergency assistance to help farmers recover and resume their activities," he said.

Kuttanad Visit and Financial Relief Plans

To assess the situation on the ground, Mr. Siddique announced he would visit Kuttanad, one of the worst-hit regions, on Sunday, August 9, 2026. A review meeting in Alappuzha has been scheduled as part of the visit. Additionally, a meeting with nationalised and cooperative banks is planned for Monday to discuss a special financial scheme aimed at supporting affected farmers in restarting their agricultural work.

Steps to Stabilise Vegetable Prices

In response to rising vegetable prices ahead of the Onam festival, the Agriculture Department will open 2,000 fairs across the state. The government has allocated ₹20 crore for this initiative under Horticorp and the Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council Keralam. Furthermore, the Cabinet has approved a 25% increase in the assistance provided to farmers for crop losses.

Why This Matters

The floods have dealt a significant blow to Kerala's agricultural economy, affecting tens of thousands of livelihoods. The requested emergency funds and planned relief measures aim to provide immediate support to farmers while stabilising food prices during the festive season. However, the scale of damage underscores the need for long-term strategies to enhance flood resilience in the state's farming sector.

Source: The Hindu