Amravati, September 24: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced immediate relief measures for farmers in view of the severe drought situation across all districts of the Amravati division. He said an order to provide assistance to farmers under ‘Trigger-1’ of the Drought Code will be issued tomorrow. The Chief Minister made it clear that the state government would provide immediate assistance without waiting for aid from the Central Government.
After visiting drought-affected areas of Washim, CM Fadnavis met Divisional Commissioner Nayana Gunde, District Collector Ashish Yerekar and Washim District Collector Yogesh Kumbhejkar at Amravati Airport to review the situation. Speaking to the media afterwards, he said crops had suffered extensive damage and providing immediate assistance to farmers was essential.
The Chief Minister said that the necessary procedures, including crop damage assessments and panchnamas, would be completed to seek assistance from the Central Government. A proposal for assistance would subsequently be submitted to the Centre.
Preparations to Address Shortage of Fodder and Water
Fadnavis said the drought could lead to shortages of fodder and water in the coming period. The government would take necessary measures to address these issues and provide food assistance wherever required.
The government is also focusing on the education of farmers’ children. The Chief Minister said direct assistance would be provided to ensure that drought conditions do not disrupt their education.
Water Availability to Be Assessed for Rabi Crops
The Chief Minister said water availability would be assessed in different areas during the Rabi season. Wherever sufficient water is available, farmers would be supported in cultivating Rabi crops.
Focus on Water Conservation and Employment
Water conservation works will be given priority to create employment opportunities during the drought. Fadnavis said water bodies and lakes requiring desilting would be identified. Necessary repair works, including the construction and maintenance of water-related infrastructure, would also be undertaken.
Relief to Reach Farmers Before Dipawali
CM Fadnavis said the state government had formulated a policy to provide assistance to farmers and was aiming to ensure that relief reaches them before Diwali. He said crop conditions were broadly similar across the affected areas, prompting the government to undertake relief measures on a wider scale.
Loan Waiver and Government Procurement of Agricultural Produce
The Chief Minister said farmers’ loans had been waived and the corresponding amounts were being credited to their accounts. Farmers who have benefited from the loan waiver will have to complete the relevant banking procedures as per the rules.
The government will also procure agricultural produce at the government-approved rate. Registration for the procurement process will begin soon.
District Hospital Fire Report to Be Made Public
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also spoke about the fire incident at the district government hospital. He said the investigation report related to the incident would be made public.
