Mumbai, September 30 (IANS) Maharashtra’s Agriculture Minister Dattra Bhanee said on Tuesday that about 1.25 to 1.50 crore acres of agricultural land in the state has been affected due to heavy rains and floods. He announced that the state government would increase support to farmers before Diwali.
“According to the primary estimate, about 1.25 to 1.50 crore acres of agricultural land is affected. Out of this, about one crore acres of land was damaged alone in September. The issue of farmers is real, and we will try to provide additional assistance,” the filling told reporters here.
“How to help farmers is our priority. Current assistance is insufficient,” he said.
He further said, “We will also try to provide all concessions to the farmers who come into force during the state of the state.”
The large part of the central Maharashtra has seen a huge decline since the onset of the monsoon season, causing widespread loss to the crop. Soybean and cotton gardens have suffered significant damage, especially during the Kharif season, they said.
Meanwhile, a revenue department official said the damage assessment was still on.
He said, “Some areas are still inaccessible. Officers have been asked to visit physically affected areas so that no farmer is left. However, primary estimates indicate that about 40 percent of the total area under farming is completely damaged,” he said.
According to the official, the evaluation report is expected to be completed by 5 October.
Talking separately to reporters in Nagpur, Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawanakul said that the government is working to finalize relief measures.
“By 5 October, all 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 about rain and financial assistance and other measures for the rain and flood farmers.”
Bavanakul assured that the government’s priority is to support the affected agricultural community.
“The Maharashtra government can delay some of its projects, but it will give priority to the farmers when it comes to providing facilities and assistance,” he said.
He further said, “The government will try to help the NDRF criteria.”
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