Maharashtra Govt committed to supporting distressed farmers; drought review meeting set for October 5

Maharashtra Govt committed to supporting distressed farmers; drought review meeting set for October 5

Mumbai, September 21 (IANS)

Amid drought like situation due to scanty rainfall in 19 districts in Maharashtra, Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne on Monday announced that the state government has decided to extend all possible assistance to farmers facing acute distress, Reassuring the farming community, the minister stated that the government stands firmly behind them during this challenging period.

On the other hand, Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Makarand Jadhav Patil said that that officials have been instructed to ensure no farmer affected during the Kharif season is left without government assistance. The announcement comes following revised criteria and procedures issued by the Revenue and Forest Department (Relief Work) for drought assessment, aligned with the Union Government's Revised Drought Management Code, 2016. He added that the revised framework uses a three-tier scientific process to evaluate drought severity using indicators such as rainfall, vegetation index, area sown, soil moisture, and groundwater levels. Socio-economic factors, including fodder availability, drinking water shortages, demand for employment, and migration patterns, will also be factored in.

Further, Cooperation Minister Babasaheb Patil informed that 100 percent drought conditions will be declared across the state. He clarified that while the government remains committed to providing financial relief, the distribution will adhere strictly to designated regulatory guidelines.

Minister Bharane, who conducted an on-the-ground crop inspection tour, said there has been extensive damage to key crops, particularly soybean, cotton, and sugarcane. He noted that the Chief Minister and both Deputy Chief Ministers have already declared intent to assist affected farmers. "The administration is actively working to coordinate and streamline assistance from multiple channels, including the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), state government relief packages, and crop insurance payouts. Following a detailed assessment period ending September 30, the Chief Minister will hold a comprehensive review meeting by October 5, after which the official financial assistance package will be announced. Delivering prompt relief to farmers remains its utmost priority," he added.

Minister Jadhav Patil said that the drought identification process comprises three distinct phases: checking mandatory rainfall indicators, assessing drought severity, and conducting ground verification field surveys. "Villages where crop damage exceeds 33% during ground surveys will qualify to be declared drought-affected. The deadline to formally declare a drought for the Kharif season is set for October 30, while the deadline for the Rabi season is March 31. Local and field authorities have been delegated the power to deploy water tankers immediately if drinking water shortages arise in drought-like villages," he added.

According to the minister, a State-Level Drought Monitoring Committee operates under the chairmanship of the Commissioner (Agriculture), complemented by District-Level Monitoring Committees led by respective District Collectors. The Agriculture Minister is conducting review meetings and field visits across various revenue divisions to submit formal recommendations to the Cabinet. The Relief and Rehabilitation Department is actively executing all necessary measures on priority following directions from the Chief Minister, he said.

SJ

Source: IANS