Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Oct 18: In a major relief measure ahead of Diwali, the Maharashtra government on Friday approved Rs 1,356 crore in financial assistance for farmers whose crops were destroyed in the September floods. The aid will benefit 21.66 lakh farmers across Satara, Kolhapur, Beed, Dharashiv, Latur, Parbhani, and Nanded districts, officials said.
A Government Resolution (GR) issued by the Revenue Department stated that the amount will be credited directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts before Monday. Another GR worth Rs 400 crore is expected to be released soon to provide further aid to distressed farmers in the Marathwada region.
Heavy rainfall and floods in September caused extensive crop damage and soil erosion across Marathwada and parts of western Maharashtra. Responding to the crisis, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on October 7 announced a comprehensive Rs 31,628 crore relief package for over 60 lakh affected farmers.
The package covers compensation for crop loss, property damage, and soil erosion, along with financial aid, ex gratia payments, and concessions typically granted during drought conditions. Calling it a “historic move,” Fadnavis said no such extensive package had ever been sanctioned for farmers in the state’s history.
Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Makarand Jadhav Patil said the latest tranche will benefit farmers across 15.16 lakh hectares of land. He added that assistance will also be extended to the heirs of victims of natural disasters and citizens whose livestock or homes were destroyed.
According to the official data, Beed district has received the highest allocation of Rs 577.79 crore for 8,06,513 farmers, followed by Dharashiv with Rs 292.49 crore for 4,04,656 farmers, Latur with Rs 202.38 crore for 4,15,492 farmers, and Parbhani with Rs 245.64 crore for 4,39,297 farmers. Nanded received Rs 28.52 crore, Satara Rs 6.29 crore, and Kolhapur Rs 3.18 crore.
Patil assured that district administrations have been instructed to expedite disbursement and ensure timely support to all eligible beneficiaries.