Thane-hit get Rs 143-crore assistance

CHENNAI: Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa launched disbursal of welfare measures worth `143 crore for cyclone Thane-hit people. They include provision for seeds, agri equipment, aid to start micro trades and revolving funds for Self Help Groups. The CM also gave away over `19 crore worth agricultural equipment for the effective functioning of Agriculture Department workers. She also laid foundation stone for a centre to develop agri infrastructure at a cost of `51.62 crore. Godowns, micro-nutrient godowns, training centres and regulated marketing complexes will also come up. Five seed storage centres, two agri marketing centres, 7 godowns, 4 procurement centres, and 22 drying yards will be built at a cost `3.12 crore.