The government this week announced a relief package for farmers in the Eastern Development Region who were affected by a prolonged drought during the monsoon in June/July and by heavy rains last week. Around 74,000 ha of land across 16 districts of the region remained uncultivated during the recent rainy season, when much of the area went dry. Worse, the paddy crop was planted late and recently inundated by torrential rains. The drought, which, according to government statistics, has affected about 62,000 farmers, is expected to reduce paddy production by about 230,000 metric tonnes. Relief measures include free seeds for vegetables and a 50 percent subsidy on wheat, lentil and oil seeds. The Rs 156 million relief package is to be footed by the Agriculture and Co-operative Ministry with assistance from the Water Resources Ministry and the Agriculture Development Bank.