Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday announced a special package of Rs 507 crore for farmers who had been hit by the cyclone Jawad that struck the state on December 4 and 5. One lakh members of women self-help groups (WSHG) would be provided with crates to take up fruits and vegetable cultivation again.

Short-term Kharif loans advanced in the affected areas having crop loss of 33 per cent and above shall be converted into medium-term (conversion) loan.

Expeditious steps will be taken to organise joint liability groups by covering maximum number of share-croppers. All steps would be taken to give them loans for the Rabi crop. Farmers will be provided with pulse seeds minikit and 4 lakh vegetable seeds mini kit.