Maharashtra Government on Tuesday announced that farmers affected by the recent hailstorm and untimely rains would be given compensation ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000 per hectare.
During a discussion in the Legislative Council, Revenue Minister Eknath Khadse said horticulture crops like grapes, mango, and banana cultivated on 60,000 hectares land were completely damaged due to rains and hailstorm in November-December.
"This is very critical time for the farmers and therefore the government has decided to provide assistance of Rs 25,000 per hectare to the affected horticulture farmers; Rs 15,000 per hectare for affected irrigated land and Rs 10,000 per hectare for non-irrigated land. The cash would be credited to farmer's bank accounts directly," Khadse said. The minister said the kin of those who lost their life due to hailstorm would be paid a compensation of Rs 2.5 lakh, which includes Rs one lakh from the Chief Minister's funds.
"The government will also provide compensation ranging from Rs 5,000 to 25,000 for the loss of livestock, as per the category of the animal.
"Financial help would also be given for the land and houses damaged due to hailstorm. This help varies between 25,000 to Rs 70,000 as per the category of the house. Special help of Rs 25,000 would be given to the agriculture land affected due to land slides and help of Rs 20,000 for land repair work," he added.
He said some MLAs have suggested diverting the MLA funds collectively worth around Rs 700 crore towards relief work in drought-affected regions.
"Though Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis will take the final call on the issue, many legislators have supported this proposal," Khadse said.
The Government is also considering to provide Rs 5 lakh compensation to the family of debt-ridden farmers who committed suicide, Khadse said, adding that talks are being held with insurance companies on this issue. The NCP legislators said they were not satisfied with the relief measures announced by the government and staged a walkout.
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