Kerala Petitions Union Government for ₹110 Crore Following Severe Agricultural Flooding
State Agriculture Minister T. Siddique has formally requested emergency federal funding to compensate for ₹99.29 crore in reported crop damages. The torrential rains have impacted over 3,000 hectares of land, prompting the state to increase internal crop loss assistance by 25%.
Key takeaways
- Agriculture Minister T. Siddique requested ₹110 crore from Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to address flood-related agricultural devastation.
- Official estimates value the current farm sector losses at ₹99.29 crore, affecting 3,264 hectares of land and over 36,000 farmers.
- The Kerala Cabinet approved a 25% hike in crop loss assistance and allocated ₹20 crore for 2,000 vegetable fairs to control Onam market prices.
- A special financial scheme for impacted farmers will be discussed in an upcoming meeting with nationalized and cooperative banks.
Assessment of Damage
Torrential rainfall and subsequent flooding across Kerala have resulted in agricultural losses currently valued at approximately ₹99.29 crore. According to data released by Agriculture Minister T. Siddique on Thursday evening, the disaster has directly impacted 36,829 farmers and damaged 3,264 hectares of cultivated land. In response, Siddique dispatched a formal request to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan seeking ₹110 crore in immediate emergency relief.
State Intervention and Financial Relief
The Kerala Cabinet has authorized a 25% increase in the standard assistance rates provided to farmers for crop losses. To further support recovery, the Minister scheduled a meeting with cooperative and nationalized banks for Monday to design a specialized financial package aimed at helping growers resume operations. Additionally, the state will deploy ₹20 crore through Horticorp and the Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council Keralam to launch 2,000 festival fairs. These outlets are intended to stabilize vegetable prices during the upcoming Onam season.
Key Facts
- Emergency Funding Request: ₹110 crore requested from the Central Government.
- Total Damage Estimate: ₹99.29 crore as of August 6, 2026.
- Impacted Population: 36,829 farmers affected by the floods.
- Land Loss: 3,264 hectares of agricultural territory sustained damage.
- Policy Change: State-level crop loss assistance raised by 25%.
What Happens Next
Minister Siddique is slated to conduct a site inspection in the Kuttanad region on Sunday, August 9, 2026, to evaluate the specific extent of the damage in that district. Following this visit, a high-level review meeting will be held in Alappuzha to coordinate further relief efforts and finalize the special banking schemes for the agricultural community.
Source: The Hindu — National
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