Will the Maha govt provide freebies to drought-affected farmers?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that despite the absence of a recognized term for wet drought, the state will extend drought-related benefits to farmers impacted by recent heavy rains and flooding, amounting to considerable assistance before Diwali.
Key Takeaways
- Government to provide drought-related benefits.
- 60 lakh hectares of farmland affected.
- Relief package announcement expected next week.
- Rs 2,215 crore disbursed to farmers.
- e-KYC condition relaxed for assistance.
Mumbai, Sep 30 (NationPress) Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated on Tuesday that although there is no recognized term for winter drought, the state government will extend the same benefits offered during drought conditions to farmers impacted by recent weather events.
The Chief Minister noted that the state Cabinet conducted a thorough assessment of the destruction caused to agriculture and properties due to severe rainfall and flooding in Marathwada and various regions of the state.
Preliminary assessments indicate that approximately 60 lakh hectares of farmland have suffered due to these catastrophic weather events.
"There has been ongoing demand for wet drought declarations; however, the official guidelines do not recognize such a term. To date, no wet drought has been declared. Nevertheless, the Cabinet has resolved to provide sops and concessions similar to those afforded during drought periods to assist the affected individuals. We will implement comparable measures to alleviate the burden on farmers facing drought-related challenges. The comprehensive damage assessment is expected to be finalized in the next two to four days," the Chief Minister remarked.
He also mentioned that the state government plans to announce a relief package for farmers next week.
Furthermore, Chief Minister Fadnavis disclosed that the disbursement of Rs 2,215 crore to farmers has already commenced, with payments directly credited to the accounts of affected farmers prior to Diwali.
He added that the e-KYC requirement has been relaxed to facilitate this assistance.
This declaration by Chief Minister Fadnavis comes amidst demands from the opposition parties, including Shiv Sena-UBT, Congress, and NCP-SP, for the state government to declare a wet drought and provide financial assistance of Rs 50,000 per hectare.
The opposition has also called upon Governor Acharya Devvrat to convene a special three-day session of the State Legislature to address the ramifications of the recent monsoon and urgently discuss financial support for farmers and citizens.
Last week, Chief Minister Fadnavis submitted separate memoranda to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, requesting significant aid from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).
He conveyed to Union Minister Shah that the Maharashtra government is in dire need of maximum relief allocations from the NDRF to adequately support affected farmers and assist them in rebuilding their livelihoods.
Securing substantial NDRF assistance will facilitate recovery from land damage, provide livelihood support for flood-impacted families, and aid in the reconstruction of damaged homes and properties, he stated.
A comprehensive proposal regarding assistance for flood-affected agricultural land is in the process of being submitted to the Central government, he added.
Expressing profound concern about the devastation caused by the heavy rains and floods in several districts of Maharashtra, he remarked that it has led to unparalleled destruction of agricultural lands and severely disrupted the livelihoods of countless farmers throughout the state.
Point of View
It is imperative to highlight the government's proactive approach in addressing the hardships faced by farmers in Maharashtra. The measures taken, including financial assistance and the relaxation of e-KYC norms, demonstrate an earnest effort to support those affected by natural calamities, ensuring that the agricultural backbone of the state receives the necessary aid during this critical time.
NationPress
30/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What assistance is being provided to drought-affected farmers?
The Maharashtra government will offer the same benefits as during drought conditions to farmers affected by the recent heavy rains and floods.
What is the estimated damage to agriculture in Maharashtra?
Preliminary assessments indicate that approximately 60 lakh hectares of agricultural land have been affected.
When will the relief package be announced?
The state government plans to announce the relief package for farmers next week.
How much financial assistance is being disbursed to farmers?
The government has already started disbursing Rs 2,215 crore directly to the accounts of affected farmers.
What are the opposition parties demanding?
Opposition parties are calling for the declaration of wet drought and financial assistance of Rs 50,000 per hectare.
