The Maharashtra government has announced a massive ₹31,628 crore relief package for farmers affected by recent rains and floods.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the aid aims to help farmers recover from the heavy crop and livestock losses caused by the natural calamity.
Cash assistance and employment aid
Under the package, each farmer will receive ₹47,000 in cash and ₹3 lakh as aid under the Employment Guarantee Scheme for every hectare of farmland damaged.
Farmers who lost livestock will be given ₹32,000 per animal. Additionally, ₹10,000 per hectare and ₹30,000 per damaged well will also be provided.
Scale of damage
Fadnavis said crops over 68 lakh hectares were damaged across 29 districts and 253 talukas, with 60,000 hectares of farmland losing its topsoil.
The package also covers compensation for house, shop, and cattle shed damage, as well as hospitalisation and ex-gratia for affected families.
Government’s commitment
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde assured farmers that the government will ensure “no dark Diwali” this year.
Fadnavis added that the priority was to help farmers stand back on their feet before the rabi season, and compensation will be transferred directly to their bank accounts.
