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Maharashtra Expands Crop Damage Surveys, Opens Aid For More Farmers

Maharashtra is checking more areas for damaged crops.

Officials will look at smaller areas called revenue circles, not just whole talukas.

This may help farmers receive support even if their entire taluka was not declared drought-affected.

So far, 265 of the state’s 358 talukas have been declared drought-affected.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said rainfall was heavy early in the monsoon and then stopped for two months.

A Cabinet sub-committee will study individual cases and recommend assistance.

Farmers should be told what officials record during crop-loss inspections.

The government also said drinking water and water for animals should come before other uses.

Key facts

Talukas declared drought-affected: 265 of Maharashtra’s 358 talukas
Expanded assessment area: Revenue circle level, also referred to as the mandal level
Rainfall pattern: Heavy rainfall during the first two months of the monsoon, followed by no rain for two months
Review body: The drought relief Cabinet sub-committee will examine individual talukas and submit proposals
Crop-loss inspections: Farmers are to be informed about details recorded in panchnamas
Water priority: Drinking water, including water for livestock, will come before other requirements
Additional directions: District planning committees were asked to take up more drought-mitigation works

freepressjournal.in · 1 hr ago