Maharashtra's unseasonal rains ravage 60 lakh hectares of crops
Credit: PTI photo
Mumbai: More than 60 lakh hectares of standing crops and agriculture fields were ravaged during the unseasonal rains and floods in Maharashtra, according to the initial estimates.
The floods and losses were discussed at the weekly Cabinet meeting presided by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai.
The Chief Minister said that the compensation would be given to the farmers by Diwali.
Last week, Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar travelled in the flood-affected areas and spoke to the people and officials.
"As per the preliminary estimate, 60 lakh hectares of area have been damaged," Fadnavis told reporters.
The government, however, did not declare "wet drought" as demanded by the Opposition, saying no such provision exists in the official manual.
"A demand has been raised for wet drought. However, there is no such mention (of wet drought) in the official manual. A wet drought has never been announced. But we have decided to extend all benefits related to drought to the affected persons,'' Fadnavis said.
“We expect the damage assessment to be completed in the next two to three days, and a comprehensive policy will be announced in the next week’s time,” he said, adding that once all the details are in place, a memorandum will be sent to the Centre for a relief package.
“The government would declare a relief package next week," Fadnavis said and pointed out that the disbursal of Rs 2,215 crore aid covering crop losses till August has already commenced.
On the issue of loan recovery notices to farmers at a time when they are facing problems, Fadnavis clarified that notices are for old recoveries.