Maharashtra Farmers Hit By Unseasonal Rains, Government Promises Financial Aid

The Maharashtra government has assured that a financial package for farmers affected by hailstorms and unseasonal rain will be ready before the current session of the assembly ends in early April. State Revenue Minister Eknath Khadse assured the house on Wednesday, adding that a group insurance scheme was being planned to help the family of those farmers who have committed suicide.

The announcement will bring some relief to angry farmers who have been repeatedly hit by unpredictable weather conditions. On Monday, the latest spell of unseasonal rains and hailstorms lashed several districts in the state coming less than two weeks after heavy rains across the state. On Tuesday, the agrarian community took to the streets blocking the Akola-Jalgaon highway, demanding the BJP government immediately compensate them.

"I had planted water melon in my 2.5 acres of land. The expenses were around Rs.10000. But that was entirely damaged. The wheat planted nearby is also damaged. We have nothing to eat at home now," Rambhav Tripukare, a farmer, said displaying a basket of hail stones to officials.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis who chaired a meeting over the unseasonal rains. He tweeted that about 6000 hectares were affected and has instructed that the survey be expedited.

Farmers say their wheat, pulses, soya bean, cotton, watermelon and grape harvest have been badly damaged and they desperately need compensation.

The opposition Congress and NCP staged a walkout demanding that the state give a compensation of Rs 25,000 per hectare of damaged crop, which was rejected. The ruling BJP government, however, admitted that its demand of Rs 6,000 crores from the Centre is still pending.

The government claims that 78 per cent of the compensation announced by the previous government has been distributed.

Half of Maharashtra is reeling under an agricultural drought which has severely impacted the kharif crop. The state however has assured that if needed grains would be taken from other states.