MUMBAI: The Congress party on Wednesday demanded that the state government should declare a wet-drought in the wake of damage caused by heavy rains and floods to the agriculture and other properties, and immediately provide an assistance of Rs 50, 000 per hectare to the farmers.
The Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal said the declaration of a wet drought is necessary as in the last few days heavy rains have caused flooding in several parts of the state. Rainwater has entered farmlands, leading to massive crop losses, with standing crops being washed away. Agricultural crops over 15 lakh acres of farm land have been severely damaged.
In a letter sent to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Sapkal further stated that nearly 17 districts of Marathwada, Vidarbha, and Western Maharashtra have been severely hit by the rains, while North Maharashtra and Konkan too have suffered significant damage.
He said that crops like jowar, bajra, urad, maize, soybean, moong, cotton, tur, fruits, and vegetables have sustained heavy losses. Thousands of hectares of sugarcane have also been badly affected. In some places, farmers’ livestock has been washed away, while in the Nanded district, there has even been loss of life. Already struggling farmers have been pushed into a deeper crisis by nature’s fury.
“Although the state government has ordered panchanamas (damage assessments), the government must set aside all rules, conditions, and limitations during this difficult period and provide direct relief to farmers. The Congress Party also demands that in cases where there has been loss of life, the families of the victims should be assisted with compassion, ” said Sapkal.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said he has instructed all agencies to be on alert mode to control the situation.