Will a Crop Cover Scheme Help Orchards Affected by Climate Change?
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Synopsis
Amid escalating concerns over climate change's impact on agriculture, Maharashtra's Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate unveils a new crop cover scheme aimed at compensating orchard damages. The initiative aims to support grape farmers and enhance access to critical weather information, while addressing unseasonal rainfall challenges.
Key Takeaways
- Climate change is significantly affecting orchards.
- The Maharashtra government is implementing a crop cover scheme for affected farmers.
- Weather stations will be established in every village to provide timely information.
- Grape farmers are a key focus of this initiative.
- Government assistance will follow damage assessments for farmers.
Mumbai, July 10 (NationPress) Climate change is wreaking havoc on orchards, prompting the implementation of a crop cover scheme to mitigate the damage, announced Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate during a discussion in the state assembly. This announcement came in response to a calling attention motion by Rohit Patil, which highlighted the effects of unseasonal rains on grape crops.
Members Hemant Ogle and Abhijit Patil engaged in the discussion. Minister Kokate also revealed plans to establish a 'weather station' in every village, offering farmers swift access to vital weather updates.
According to Kokate, grape farmers are currently grappling with a crisis as climate change continues to impact orchards. To help alleviate these challenges, the National Grape Research Centre in Pune is providing ongoing monitoring and advice aimed at lessening the impact of climate change on vineyards. A meeting will be convened shortly to discuss essential support for grape farmers, with representatives from insurance companies also invited.
“The state encompasses 1,23,424 hectares of grape cultivation, yielding approximately 24,89,268 MT. Major grape-producing regions include Nashik, Sangli, Solapur, Ahilyanagar, and Dharashiv districts. Assessments have been conducted for vineyards damaged by unseasonal rains, with farmers receiving assistance in accordance with government regulations. Grape orchard farmers who have incurred losses due to these rains and have undergone assessments will receive aid as per government norms,” stated the minister.
In a related matter, Industry Minister Uday Samant indicated that the government will direct the state-run City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) to provide affordable housing options for the general populace.
Responding to a calling attention motion by Shashikant Shinde in the state council, he stated, “CIDCO is not a profit-driven entity. The concept of affordable housing is central to the homes being constructed by CIDCO. A meeting will be convened under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to address rising prices and other related issues as per CIDCO's advertisement. Until this meeting occurs, no individual who has adhered to prior advertisements will be denied a house.”
Point of View
The announcement of a crop cover scheme reflects an urgent response to the pressing challenges posed by climate change in agriculture. This initiative, aimed at supporting vulnerable grape farmers, underscores the need for adaptive strategies and timely interventions to promote resilience in the agricultural sector. As the nation grapples with changing weather patterns, understanding the implications for crop production becomes increasingly critical.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crop cover scheme?
The crop cover scheme is an initiative by the Maharashtra government to provide compensation to orchard farmers affected by climate change and unseasonal rains.
Who announced the crop cover scheme?
The scheme was announced by Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate in the Maharashtra state assembly.
What measures are being taken to help farmers?
The government plans to establish weather stations in villages for timely weather updates and is conducting assessments for farmers affected by unseasonal rains.
Which crops are primarily affected?
Grape crops are particularly impacted, with significant production occurring in Nashik, Sangli, Solapur, Ahilyanagar, and Dharashiv districts.
How are farmers being supported financially?
Farmers who have suffered losses due to unseasonal rains will receive assistance according to government norms, following damage assessments.
