Mumbai, Oct 7 (NationPress) The Maharashtra government has revealed a substantial financial package amounting to Rs 31,628 crore aimed at supporting farmers who have been severely impacted by the recent heavy rains and floods across several districts in the state.

The Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, along with his deputies Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, highlighted that the torrential rainfall has led to significant destruction of agricultural land, homes, and crops.

“Many areas have experienced severe soil erosion, hindering the growth of the next Rabi crops. It is imperative for farmers to regain their footing. Thus, the government is committed to extending maximum support to farmers. Approximately 1,43,000,52 hectares of land have been cultivated in Maharashtra, with crops on 68,79,756 hectares reported as damaged. This financial package will benefit 29 districts, 253 talukas, and 2059 revenue circles,” stated the Chief Minister during the press briefing.

He added that the government aims to distribute the aid before the upcoming Diwali festival.

“We are committed to providing comprehensive assistance. This includes support for eroded land, crop damage, and financial help for those who have lost lives or suffered injuries. Immediate aid of Rs 10,000 will be provided to disaster-affected individuals. For those whose homes have been completely destroyed, new housing will be constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Additionally, people from hilly regions whose houses have been damaged will receive further assistance of Rs 10,000. Farmers whose cowsheds have been affected, as well as shopkeepers who have incurred losses, will also receive support,” he mentioned.

The Chief Minister further elaborated that the government has eased the criteria of 65 mm rainfall to qualify for aid. In areas where homes have been completely ruined, funds will be allocated for completely new homes under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Assistance will reach up to Rs 50,000, with Rs 37,500 allocated per milch animal. The previous limit of three animals under the NDRF has been lifted. The government will provide Rs 32,000 per draft animal and Rs 100 per chicken.

Additionally, CM Fadnavis announced that Rs 47,000 per hectare will be available in cash for eroded land, while Rs 3 lakh per hectare will be available through NREGA.

As a special initiative, Rs 30,000 will be allocated per well. The government has made a provision of Rs 10,000 crore to compensate for infrastructural damages.

“All measures applicable during drought will also apply in this case, treating them as a wet drought. These measures include land revenue exemptions, loan restructuring, recovery of agricultural loans, and waiving examination fees for school and college students. The government will allocate Rs 6,175 crore for 65 lakh hectares of land as compensation for crop loss, with an additional Rs 10,000 per hectare set aside for Rabi crops,” he explained.

“In total, the government has decided to offer Rs 18,500 per hectare for dryland farmers, Rs 27,000 for seasonal irrigated farmers, and Rs 32,500 per hectare for irrigated farmers. About 45 lakh farmers have been insured. Additionally, farmers who have suffered complete losses will be compensated with insurance for approximately 17,000 hectares. The total financial package from the state government amounts to Rs 31,628 crore to address the damage,” he concluded.