Chandigarh, Sep 8 (PTI) The Punjab Cabinet on Monday decided to give a compensation of Rs 20,000 per acre for crop damage in the floods in the state.

The Cabinet also gave a nod to a scheme -- 'Jisda Khet, Usdi Ret' -- whereby farmers will be allowed to extract and sell sand deposited in their fields after floods.

The decisions in this regard were taken in a Cabinet meeting, which was chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann from a hospital in Mohali where he was admitted after he complained of exhaustion and low heart rate.

In a video message after the meeting, Mann said, "We are giving permission to farmers to extract sand from their fields. If you want to sell sand or you want to use it for yourself, you can do so." Farmers in flood-hit areas had expressed concern over the accumulation of sand, which came along flood waters, in their agricultural fields.

As far as crop damage because of the deluge is concerned, Mann said the state government will give a compensation of Rs 20,000 per acre to affected farmers.

"Until now, this is the maximum compensation to be given by any state in the country," he claimed.

"Cheques (of compensation) will be handed over to you (farmers)," he said.

According to officials, crops on 1.76 lakh hectares have been damaged in the floods.

Mann also said Rs 4 lakh will be given to families who lost their family members in the floods.

A survey of houses damaged in the floods will be conducted for providing financial assistance to the affected people, he said.

The time limit of debt repayment of farmers, who had taken loans from the cooperative societies and state agriculture banks, has been extended by six months, he said.

"Till next six months, no installment will be required to be paid and no interest will be added in it," he added.

He further said the state government will provide financial assistance for loss of cattle, goats and poultry birds.

A survey will be conducted of government properties, including schools, colleges, electric poles, grids, etc, that have been damaged in the floods, he added.

He said the AAP government stands by the people of Punjab in the hour of crisis.

After being discharged from the hospital, he will be amongst the people, Mann added. PTI CHS TRB

Compensation for flood-affected farmers and permission to extract flood-deposited sand, with loan moratorium and relief measures announced. The state provided emergency relief measures including compensation for crop damage per acre with cheques to beneficiaries, a scheme allowing farmers to extract and sell sand deposited by floods on their fields, a specified death benefit to families of flood victims, and a six-month loan moratorium for cooperative and state agricultural bank borrowers with no installments or interest during the period. Surveys of damaged houses, government infrastructure, and livestock losses will be conducted to determine further financial assistance and disbursement.