Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis unveils Rs 31,628 crore flood relief package for Maharashtra farmers

Farmers who have lost even the soil on their farms will receive Rs 3.5 lakh per hectare, comprising Rs 47,000 in cash and the remainder through NREGA

Devendra Fadnavis Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis | PTI

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday announced a Rs 31,628 crore package for flood-affected farmers in Maharashtra.

Making the announcement at a press conference, the CM, accompanied by both of his deputies, said that the rules and regulations that are applicable during a drought will be made applicable to flood-hit people and farmers.  As per the package, the flood-affected farmers on whose farms even soil has been washed away will receive Rs 3.5 lakh per hectare.

This is one of the biggest packages announced by the state government for the benefit of farmers. Opposition had been demanding an aid of Rs 50,000 per hectare for farmers, and a declaration of wet drought in the state. The government, however, has not declared a 'wet drought', stating that such a concept does not exist.

The government will make efforts to make sure that the farmers and people affected receive compensation before Diwali.

Crops on 68 lakh hectares have been damaged in Maharashtra due to floods and extremely heavy rainfall. Farmers have not just suffered loss of crops, but loss of houses, livestock and even farmland as fertile soil has been washed away due to floods. 

The farmers who have even lost fertile soil in their farms will be paid Rs 47,000 in cash, and the remaining component of Rs 3 lakh will be paid through NREGA, informed the chief minister. "Government will cut down on its spending but will make sure that every affected farmer receives necessary compensation and help," Fadnavis said.

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