Gondia drought: crop surveys done, Rs 5,000 advance aid begins for paddy farmers

Gondia, Nov 5: Paddy farmers in Gondia district have faced severe hardship this kharif season because of drought conditions. In some areas pests and diseases struck the crop, while in others there was no water at all. Both causes have damaged standing crops.

To give farmers relief, the Maharashtra government had issued directions. In line with them, crop-loss surveys (panchnamas) have been completed in the district, and details of more than one lakh farmers have been collected. The process of paying these farmers an advance financial aid of Rs 5,000 has now begun, District Collector Mandar Patki said.

Mr Patki said adverse weather and drought hit paddy farmers hard this year. Considering the crop losses, the government had asked for the surveys to be done. The district administration has completed the entire process and compiled details of more than one lakh farmers. To give farmers immediate financial support, the process of crediting the Rs 5,000 advance aid to their bank accounts has been started.

Appealing to farmers, the Collector said they should not lose heart even though the natural calamity caused losses. He urged them to make good use of the resources available and the income in hand, and to keep working towards the next crop.

He also said farmers facing any difficulty with farming or any other government assistance should contact the district administration or the administration of the concerned taluka. Mr Patki said the administration is ready to provide whatever help and cooperation farmers need.