Mumbai: More than ten days of heavy rainfall across Maharashtra have affected standing crops spread over 20 lakh acres.
In response, the Maha Yuti government led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed that immediate panchanamas be conducted and relief measures initiated to support the affected farmers.
State Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne said that heavy rains in August have damaged crops spread across 20.12 lakh acres in 19 districts spread across the geographical regions of Konkan, Western Maharashtra, North Maharashtra, Marathwada and Vidarbha.
“Since August 9, excessive rainfall has impacted 187 talukas and 654 revenue circles,” Bharne stated on Thursday.
He emphasized the government’s commitment, saying, “No farmer should be left without assistance. The government stands firmly with them and they must not lose hope.”
Among the worst-hit areas, Nanded district saw the most significant damage, with crops over 2.86 lakh hectares affected due to a cloudburst-induced deluge.
Other severely impacted districts include Washim (1.65 lakh hectares), Yavatmal (81,000 hectares), Buldhana (75,000 hectares), Akola (44,000 hectares), Solapur (42,000 hectares), Hingoli (40,000 hectares), Parbhani (29,000 hectares), Amravati (13,000 hectares), and Jalgaon (12,000 hectares).
Bharne confirmed that detailed assessments of the crop losses are currently underway.
“Orders have been issued to ensure timely compensation and relief to the farmers. The heavy rainfall has caused substantial damage not only to crops but also to homes and public infrastructure. District officials have been instructed to carry out immediate panchanamas, ensuring that every affected farmer receives support,” he said.
Key crops damaged include soybean, maize, cotton, urad, tur, moong, as well as vegetables, fruits, millet, sugarcane, onion, jowar, and turmeric.
“The damage assessment reports from every village will be submitted to the government promptly so that aid can be disbursed without delay. Farmers are the backbone of our economy, and the government is committed to standing with them in this difficult time. I have personally witnessed the hardships faced by farmers in the affected areas,” Bharne added.
