Congress leaders urge Maharashtra government to declare Latur drought-hit, seek urgent relief for farmers
Congress leaders on Wednesday, September 16, urged the Maharashtra government to declare Latur district drought-hit and initiate urgent relief measures, citing inadequate rainfall and extensive damage to kharif crops.
Speaking at a review meeting of the District Development Coordinaoughttion and Monitoring Committee, the leaders said the prevailing drought-like situation warranted immediate government intervention and financial assistance to farmers. The meeting was attended by Latur MP Shivaji Kalge, former minister Amit Deshmukh and MLC Vikram Kale.
Kalge urged the agriculture department to prepare a report on damage to kharif crops and submit it to the government, and asked officials to ensure crop losses were accurately recorded, according to a release issued by Deshmukh.
Deshmukh said a prolonged dry spell of nearly one and a half months had severely damaged soybean and other kharif crops, leaving farmers and agricultural labourers distressed. With crops severely affected, he said, the district was also facing the possibility of water and fodder shortages. He urged the government to immediately extend financial assistance to farmers in drought-hit areas and direct crop insurance companies to compensate them for their losses. He further demanded an expansion of the farm loan waiver scheme, government payment of educational and examination fees for school and college students, and the opening of fodder camps along with water supply through tankers wherever required.
MLC Kale directed officials to plan and complete works under the rural employment VB-G RAM G scheme and the district's annual development plan.
The demand comes days after Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said on Monday, September 14, that a drought-like situation had developed across 18 districts in the state due to inadequate rainfall, adding that nearly half of Maharashtra's farmers were currently facing drought-like conditions.