<p>Mumbai: On the eve of the weekly Cabinet meeting during which the early onset of monsoon is expected to be discussed, the Congress on Monday demanded a relief package of Rs 50,000 per hectare for farmers who have suffered crop damages. </p><p>“Maharashtra has been battered by pre-monsoon rains, continuing for three weeks straight. Farmers have suffered massive losses to their crops, and fodder for livestock has become a serious issue. Already burdened with hardship, farmers are now reeling under the impact of these unseasonal rains. As the backbone of the economy, farmers deserve the government's immediate support. Therefore, bypassing lengthy assessment procedures, the Congress party demands an urgent relief package of Rs 50,000 per hectare," Congress Working Committee member Balasaheb Thorat said. </p><p>Thorat added that the rains came just when some crops were ready for harvest in May. </p>.All schools remain shut in Mizoram for third day due to rain.<p>“Bananas and Kesar mangoes have been severely damaged. Vegetables, tomatoes, onions, and pomegranates have also been affected. Homes have collapsed, some livestock has perished, and due to the rains, there is a fodder shortage. Roads and cattle shelters have been damaged. With Kharif sowing preparation underway, farmers now have no money left and are completely devastated. Yet, the government shows no inclination to help,” said Thorat.</p><p>“Whether the aid comes under NDRF or SDRF norms is irrelevant to farmers—they just need substantial assistance. The government’s change from 3-hectare to 2-hectare eligibility for aid is further injustice. Even crop insurance schemes are proving ineffective due to changed criteria. Although the government has ordered damage assessments, no real action is seen on the ground. District guardians should tour and take stock, but even that is missing.Today, the cost of cultivating onions is Rs 60,000 per acre, and tomatoes Rs 50,000 per acre. Farming has become expensive. In such times of crisis, the government must offer substantial support,” he said. </p><p>“During the election campaign, BJP alliance leaders promised loan waivers. But after assuming power, they seem to have forgotten it. The Congress and the MVA governments had consistently supported farmers and announced waivers. The current government, however, remains silent on the issue. Discontent is brewing among the farming community. Instead of issuing empty statements, the government must announce a loan waiver,” added Thorat. </p>
<p>Mumbai: On the eve of the weekly Cabinet meeting during which the early onset of monsoon is expected to be discussed, the Congress on Monday demanded a relief package of Rs 50,000 per hectare for farmers who have suffered crop damages. </p><p>“Maharashtra has been battered by pre-monsoon rains, continuing for three weeks straight. Farmers have suffered massive losses to their crops, and fodder for livestock has become a serious issue. Already burdened with hardship, farmers are now reeling under the impact of these unseasonal rains. As the backbone of the economy, farmers deserve the government's immediate support. Therefore, bypassing lengthy assessment procedures, the Congress party demands an urgent relief package of Rs 50,000 per hectare," Congress Working Committee member Balasaheb Thorat said. </p><p>Thorat added that the rains came just when some crops were ready for harvest in May. </p>.All schools remain shut in Mizoram for third day due to rain.<p>“Bananas and Kesar mangoes have been severely damaged. Vegetables, tomatoes, onions, and pomegranates have also been affected. Homes have collapsed, some livestock has perished, and due to the rains, there is a fodder shortage. Roads and cattle shelters have been damaged. With Kharif sowing preparation underway, farmers now have no money left and are completely devastated. Yet, the government shows no inclination to help,” said Thorat.</p><p>“Whether the aid comes under NDRF or SDRF norms is irrelevant to farmers—they just need substantial assistance. The government’s change from 3-hectare to 2-hectare eligibility for aid is further injustice. Even crop insurance schemes are proving ineffective due to changed criteria. Although the government has ordered damage assessments, no real action is seen on the ground. District guardians should tour and take stock, but even that is missing.Today, the cost of cultivating onions is Rs 60,000 per acre, and tomatoes Rs 50,000 per acre. Farming has become expensive. In such times of crisis, the government must offer substantial support,” he said. </p><p>“During the election campaign, BJP alliance leaders promised loan waivers. But after assuming power, they seem to have forgotten it. The Congress and the MVA governments had consistently supported farmers and announced waivers. The current government, however, remains silent on the issue. Discontent is brewing among the farming community. Instead of issuing empty statements, the government must announce a loan waiver,” added Thorat. </p>