Bhubaneswar: Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik Tuesday announced input assistance of about Rs 200 crore for the distressed farmers of the drought affected areas of the State. The entire expenditure will be borne by the State government.

In this context, considering the gravity of the situation, demands of the affected farmers and crop loss reports by the Collectors, the chief minister has decided to provide assistance out of the State’s own resources.

The collectors of the affected districts have been directed to submit the requirement of funds to SRC and appropriate steps will be taken for immediate disbursement of assistance. It is estimated that about Rs.200 crore will be disbursed to overcome the distress of the farmers.