The Uttar Pradesh government has suspended with immediate effect recovery of all dues from farmers in 50 districts which were declared drought-hit.
Of the 75 districts, 50 districts either received less than 60 per cent rain from June to September this year or more than 33 per cent crops were ruined there, an official spokesperson said here on Thursday.
The decision to declare these districts -- which produce sugarcane, pulses, wheat, rice and cash crops -- drought-hit was taken on the recommendation of a natural calamity committee.
The recovery of dues from farmers in the affected areas has been stopped forthwith, the spokesperson said.
The District Magistrates have been asked to chalk out a plan to deal with the situation and ensure that farmers are not harassed on the pretext of revenue realisation.
Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has directed government departments to start relief work in the identified districts to provide help to the farmers.
According to the MeT Department, only 53.50 per cent rainfall was recorded between June and September.
In 33 of these districts, rainfall of 40 per cent to 60 per cent was recorded, while in 16 districts, it was below 40 per cent. -- PTI