Fadnavis says drought aid will come before Diwali, not GR announcement

Maharashtra is facing a severe drought this year and farmers are in distress. In response, the state government has begun preparing to provide assistance. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Saturday that a GR (government resolution) declaring drought would be issued. It was said this would open the way for farmers to get help, but the actual position turned out to be different. Fadnavis himself clarified that farmers would be given assistance before Diwali, meaning there would be some more waiting.

Fadnavis has been touring drought-hit areas for the past two days. Yesterday he inspected the Latur and Dharashiv regions. This morning, after visiting the drought-affected area of Washim, he reached Amravati, where he announced that farmers would be helped before Diwali.

Fadnavis said farmers have suffered heavy losses, with their crops destroyed, and the government is working on what relief to provide. He said that under Trigger One of the drought law, a government order declaring drought in some areas would be issued the next day, along with its GR. If any area is left out, it will be included under Trigger Three. All areas showing drought conditions will be declared drought-affected.

Farmers will need several kinds of assistance. The government will act on fodder shortages and water scarcity. Grain shortages will be addressed and arrangements made for supply. Per-hectare assistance will also be given. Steps will be taken to ensure children's education is not disrupted. Efforts will also be made to provide help in areas where rabi sowing is possible.

On loan waivers, Fadnavis said the government has not sat waiting for funds from the Centre, but is providing assistance on its own strength. He said there is no doubt the central government too will provide good support. Loan waiver money is being credited to farmers' accounts on a large scale. In Washim district, out of 52,000 farmers, 42,000 have already received loan waiver money in their accounts, and the remaining farmers will receive it soon.

Fadnavis also targeted Uddhav Thackeray during this, saying that some people speaking on the drought issue should look back at their own tenure to see what decisions were taken, how long they took, and how help was given then. He said looking back would show that the present government is doing better work than they did. However, Fadnavis also said everyone has the right to make demands, and he would not comment on that.

On soybean procurement, Fadnavis said the government would buy as much soybean as needed. But this year, soybean is likely to fetch a higher rate in the private market than the government rate. Soybean registration will begin soon, he said, while repeating that assistance to farmers would be given before Diwali.