Shiv Sena MP seeks crop survey, financial aid for rain-hit farmers in Marathwada

Shiv Sena MP Omprakash Rajenimbalkar has urged the Maharashtra government to conduct a survey of crops damaged due to inadequate rainfall in Marathwada and provide financial assistance to eligible farmers.

The Dharashiv MP made the demand in a letter to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on August 22, which he shared on social media on Friday.

Rajenimbalkar said Marathwada had received inadequate rainfall over the past 45 days, leaving soybean crops to dry up and causing financial losses to farmers.

“The situation is serious, and surveys should be conducted through the revenue and agriculture departments to ascertain the losses,” he said in the letter, urging the government to provide assistance to farmers found eligible after the assessment.

Marathwada has recorded a rainfall deficit since the beginning of the monsoon. The region has received 381 mm of rainfall against the expected 498.8 mm since June 1, according to revenue department data.

Rajenimbalkar’s Dharashiv Lok Sabha constituency has recorded a 25.3 per cent rainfall deficit. Dharashiv district has received 301.5 mm of rainfall against the average expected rainfall of 403.5 mm, the report said.