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Key Points

The Maharashtra government is moving quickly to help farmers affected by recent floods. Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharane revealed that up to 1.5 crore acres of farmland have been damaged across the state. Officials are conducting thorough assessments to ensure no affected farmer is left out of relief measures. The government aims to provide all necessary assistance before Diwali to support the farming community during this difficult time.

Key Points: Maharashtra Flood Aid for Farmers Before Diwali Says Minister

  • Nearly 1.5 crore acres of farmland damaged by Maharashtra floods
  • Government prioritizing farmer support before Diwali festival
  • Damage assessment reports expected by October 5 for relief planning
  • Soybean and cotton crops severely affected during kharif season
  • State may delay other projects to prioritize farmer assistance
2 min read

Govt plans to extend aid to flood-affected farmers before Diwali: Maha Minister

Maharashtra govt pledges pre-Diwali aid for flood-hit farmers with 1.5 crore acres affected. Relief measures to be finalized after damage assessment.

"The current assistance is insufficient - Dattatray Bharane"

Mumbai, Sep 30

Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharane on Tuesday said that nearly 1.25 to 1.50 crore acres of agricultural land in the state have been affected due to heavy rains and floods. He announced that the state government would extend support to farmers before Diwali.

“As per the primary estimate, nearly 1.25 to 1.50 crore acres of agricultural land are affected. Out of it, nearly one crore acres of land were damaged in September alone. The issue of farmers is genuine, and we will try to provide additional help,” Bharane told reporters here. “How to help farmers is our priority. The current assistance is insufficient,” he added. He further stated, “We will also try to provide all the concessions to the farmers that are applicable during the scarcity situation in the state.”

Large parts of central Maharashtra have witnessed heavy downpours since the beginning of the monsoon season, leading to widespread crop losses. The kharif season in particular has seen significant damage to soybean and cotton plantations, he said.

Meanwhile, an officer from the revenue department said that the damage assessment was still in progress. “Some areas are still inaccessible. Officials have been asked to visit the affected areas physically so that no farmer is left out. However, primary estimates indicate that nearly 40 per cent of the total area under cultivation is completely damaged,” he added. According to the officer, the reports of assessment are expected to be completed by October 5.

Speaking separately to reporters in Nagpur, Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said the government was working to finalise relief measures. “By October 5, all the damage assessment reports will be completed. Based on that report, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar will sit together and hold a meeting regarding financial assistance and other measures for rain and flood-hit farmers,” he said.

Bawankule assured that the government’s priority was to support the affected farming community. “The Maharashtra government may delay a couple of its projects, but it will prioritise farmers when it comes to facilitation and providing assistance,” he said. He further added, “The government will try to assist the norms of the NDRF.”

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who has family in rural Maharashtra, I've seen the devastation firsthand. The government needs to ensure transparency in distribution - no corruption should delay this crucial help.
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Priya S
Diwali is just weeks away and farmers are struggling. The timing of this announcement is good, but implementation is key. Hope they don't make empty promises like previous years.
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Aman W
My uncle's soybean crop in Vidarbha is completely destroyed. The government should also provide seeds and fertilizers for the next season, not just immediate relief. Jai Kisan! 🇮🇳
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Michael C
The scale of damage - 1.5 crore acres - is staggering. This requires immediate action and proper assessment. Good to see they're sending officials to inaccessible areas.
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Nisha Z
Hope this isn't just political talk before elections. Farmers need real support, not just announcements. The October 5 deadline must be met and aid distributed quickly.

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