The Maharashtra government has announced a Rs 31,628-crore financial relief package for farmers and families affected by heavy rain and floods across several districts, IANS reported. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the move aims to help farmers and small traders recover from the widespread damage to crops, homes and livestock caused by recent downpours.
Relief for affected districts
Announcing the decision in Mumbai on Tuesday, Fadnavis, flanked by his deputies Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, said the package covers 29 districts, 253 talukas and 2,059 revenue circles.
“Nearly 1.43 crore hectares of land were cultivated in the state, of which crops on about 68.8 lakh hectares have been damaged. The government wants farmers to stand on their feet again,” he said.
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The Chief Minister added that immediate financial aid of Rs 10,000 will be provided to each affected family before Diwali. Those whose homes were completely destroyed will be provided new houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, while people in hilly areas will receive an additional Rs 10,000.
Support for farmers and small traders
Fadnavis said the government will extend aid not only to farmers but also to shopkeepers and dairy owners whose sheds or livestock were damaged. The rainfall threshold for assistance has been relaxed from 65 mm to ensure wider coverage.
Farmers will receive Rs 47,000 per hectare in cash for eroded land and Rs 3 lakh per hectare through the NREGA scheme. A special grant of Rs 30,000 per hectare will be provided for damaged wells. For crop loss, compensation will be Rs 18,500 per hectare for dryland farmers, Rs 27,000 for seasonal irrigated farmers and Rs 32,500 per hectare for irrigated farms.
Livestock owners will receive Rs 37,500 per milch animal, Rs 32,000 for each draft animal and Rs 100 per poultry bird.
Infrastructure and long-term recovery
The government has earmarked Rs 10,000 crore to repair damaged infrastructure such as rural roads and public utilities. “All drought-related measures will also be applied in flood-hit areas, including exemptions in land revenue, agricultural loan restructuring and waiver of exam fees for students,” Fadnavis said.
An additional Rs 6,175 crore has been allocated as compensation for crop damage across 65 lakh hectares, along with Rs 10,000 per hectare to support Rabi sowing.
Insurance and additional relief
Around 45 lakh farmers are covered under crop insurance, and those who have suffered total loss will receive payouts for about 17,000 hectares. “The government has decided to act quickly so that relief reaches affected families before Diwali,” the Chief Minister said.
