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Gandhinagar, Nov 1 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has reviewed the situation arising out of unseasonal rains and weather change, which has caused damage to standing crops in many parts of the state. An officer gave this information.
Chief Minister Patel directed the administration to make a detailed assessment of the loss suffered by farmers due to the recent untimely rains and ensure that relief assistance is provided immediately as per official norms.
The Chief Minister held a review meeting with senior officials of the Agriculture and Revenue Department to take stock of the situation.
He directed district collectors to immediately submit comprehensive reports on crop damage and expedite the survey process in coordination with agriculture officers at taluka and village levels.
Officials told the Chief Minister that due to change in weather conditions in the last few days, there has been rain in various districts. Rain accompanied by overcast skies and strong winds has affected some standing crops that were close to harvest.
CM Patel directed the concerned departments to maintain close contact with the farmers and ensure that all possible administrative and technical assistance is provided to mitigate their distress. He also said that the government will take swift action after receiving reports of damage to the land.
The Chief Minister stressed that farmers should not face unnecessary delays in receiving assistance under the existing relief provisions and insurance schemes.
The meeting also reviewed the functioning of the crop insurance system and availability of agricultural input supplies in the affected areas. CM Patel urged officials to maintain transparency in the damage assessment process and ensure that the real beneficiaries are covered.
The state government said it is closely monitoring the situation and further steps will be taken based on the survey findings and weather developments in the coming days.
Unseasonal rains have been reported in many parts of Saurashtra, North Gujarat and Central Gujarat last week, raising concerns among farmers about damage to cotton, groundnut and other seasonal crops.
–IANS
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