Maharashtra announces Rs 31,628-crore package for farmers hit by heavy rains, floods

The Maharashtra government on Tuesday announced a Rs 31,628-crore compensation package for farmers in the flood-affected areas of the state.

The aid primarily targets farmers in 29 of the state’s 36 districts, especially in the Marathwada region, who have suffered heavy crop and land losses due to relentless rains and flooding, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said.

Rain-related incidents have killed 337 persons in Maharashtra during this year’s monsoon, PTI quoted a government report as saying. Rains and floods have caused damage on around 60 lakh hectares of land.

On Tuesday, Fadnavis, after a cabinet meeting, said the government was committed to helping farmers recover, even if 100% compensation was not possible, The Indian Express reported.

As per the new compensation structure, farmers with dry land will receive Rs 18,500 per hectare, those with seasonal irrigated land will get Rs 27,000 and those with fully irrigated land will receive Rs 32,500 per hectare, The Hindu reported.

In addition, Rs 10,000 per hectare will be provided to support sowing of the upcoming rabi crop.

Besides, farmers whose farmland was washed away will get Rs 47,000 per hectare in cash and Rs 3 lakh per hectare through the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, totalling almost Rs 3.5 lakh per hectare for reclaimed land.

The relief package also includes assistance for livestock and property damage. A compensation of Rs 32,000 will be...

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