Shinde government opened coffers for farmers as soon as they returned from Ayodhya, announced help of Rs 178 crore

Mumbai: The state government has helped about Rs 178 crore to compensate the farmers who are facing the brunt of unseasonal rains. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis have once again entered the field to inquire about the well being of the farmers. On Monday, Chief Minister Shinde visited Nashik district, while Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis reached Amravati district. Chief Minister Shinde held a review meeting on Monday, in which he directed to provide immediate relief to the affected farmers. In the review meeting, the Chief Minister was informed that the crops were damaged due to unseasonal rains between March 4 to 8 and March 16 to 19. The government has declared the unseasonal rains as a disaster.

In areas where more than 33 per cent crops have been damaged, relief will be provided to the farmers at the prescribed rate. Proposals were invited from all divisional commissioners to provide assistance to farmers due to unseasonal rains in March. On Monday, information was given to distribute an amount of Rs 177 crore, 80 lakh, 61 thousand to the farmers of the affected districts. In this, information was given to give Rs 24 crore to Amravati department, Rs 63 crore to Nashik, Rs 5 crore to Pune department, Rs 84 crore to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar department.

Damage to 7400 hectares of crops in five districts
7400 hectares of crops have been damaged in five districts of western Vidarbha due to unseasonal rains. Such information has been given by Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Crops were mostly affected in Amravati, Akola, Yavatmal, Washim and Buldhana districts due to intermittent rains. On Monday, Fadnavis told reporters after holding a review meeting in Amravati district that crops of more than 7400 hectares have been damaged. Damage assessment has been completed in 3,243 hectares.

The remaining evaluation will be completed soon. At least 7,596 farmers have been affected by the unseasonal rains. Villages in certain specific areas of the state have been affected by unseasonal rains over the past few years. He further said that we are working to find a solution to the new challenge of climate change.