Dehradun, Oct. 15 -- Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday announced additional financial assistance for farmers whose crops were damaged by recent hailstorms across the state, besides deferring electricity bill payments for them from October to December. Officials said farmers affected by hailstorms will receive additional financial assistance equivalent to the amount provided under established disaster relief norms for the losses suffered by their agricultural, horticultural and sugarcane crops. The state government has also decided to defer electricity bill payments for affected farmers for October, November and December. The three-month deferment is intended to reduce the immediate financial burden on farmers whose crops have been damaged and give them additional time to manage their finances while recovering from the losses, said officials. The state government is also seeking relief for hailstorm-affected farmers who have outstanding Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans. A letter will be sent to the Union Ministry of Finance requesting a three-month deferment of KCC loan repayments for farmers affected by the hailstorm. The proposed measure would provide farmers with additional time to repay their loans while they deal with crop losses and the resulting financial pressure. Dhami said, "The state government is committed to protecting the interests of farmers and will take every possible step to help them overcome difficulties caused by natural disasters". The chief minister said the government's priority was to protect farmers' livelihoods and ensure that losses caused by hailstorms did not adversely affect their future agricultural activities. He also stressed the need to provide relief to farmers so they could continue preparations for the upcoming agricultural and horticultural season. The announcements came weeks after hailstorm and heavy rain lashed several parts of the state on October 9. In Haridwar, hail damaged the window panes of several cars. Street vendors and commuters were caught in the sudden spell of heavy hail and took shelter under trees and covered shelters to protect themselves. Officials said the additional financial assistance would be provided over and above the support available under established disaster relief norms. The electricity bill deferment and proposed KCC repayment relief are also aimed at easing the immediate financial pressure on affected farmers....