Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde addressed the Assembly on Monday, acknowledging the widespread crop damage caused by unseasonal rains across 9.75 lakh hectares in the state. In response to this, Shinde announced a financial aid package of Rs 2,000 crore for affected farmers, according to PTI.
Expressing concern over the grim reality of farmer suicides, Shinde declared plans to reorganize the task force responsible for suggesting measures to tackle this pressing issue. During the session, he stated, "Crops on 9.75 lakh hectares have been damaged as per primary estimates. We will be paying Rs 2000 crore to farmers. Crop damage assessment is pending in six districts and they will be completed soon."
Highlighting the government's commitment to supporting farmers facing natural calamities, Shinde revealed that the state had provided Rs 44,278 crore in the last one-and-a-half years. The financial allocation spanned various departments, including Relief and Rehabilitation, Agriculture, Cooperation, Marketing, Food and Civil Supplies, and Animal Husbandry.
As a symbolic gesture, some farmers received compensation cheques, with the remaining set to receive the compensation directly in their bank accounts. Additionally, Shinde announced a bonus of Rs 20,000 per hectare for grain farmers, an increase from the previous year's Rs 15,000 per hectare.
Addressing the challenges arising from unseasonal rains in November, which led to crop, fruit, and vegetable damage in several parts of the state, Shinde outlined the government's efforts to mitigate agrarian distress.
Acknowledging water scarcity due to uneven rainfall distribution, the Chief Minister informed the Assembly that a Central team had visited drought-affected areas, and the state had sought Rs 2587 crore aid for farmers in 40 tehsils. He added that a drought-prone situation had been declared in 1021 additional revenue mandals.
In response to rising onion prices, Shinde introduced the innovative 'MahaBank of Onions' project, employing nuclear technology for onion irradiation, with the assistance of senior nuclear scientist Dr Anil Kakodkar.
Furthermore, Shinde mentioned ongoing discussions with Union Minister Piyush Goyal regarding the Centre's ban on onion exports. To bolster the Vasantrao Naik Shetkari Swavalamban Mission (VNSSM), the government plans to enlist the support of counsellors, researchers, senior editors, retired police officials, agricultural university professors, NGOs, social workers, and preachers.
In a bid to boost development in the coastal region, Shinde revealed plans to establish the Konkan Area Development Authority (KADA). The Chief Minister concluded by reiterating the government's commitment to implementing various schemes, including farm loan restructuring, power bill concessions, exam fee waivers, and substantial aid exceeding that provided by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
