Chief Minister Eknath Shinde revealed that the state government has provided a substantial aid of Rs 44,278 crore to farmers affected by natural disasters over the past 18 months. To tackle the concerning issue of farmer suicides, they're revamping the task force to devise strategies preventing such tragedies and developing farming models to boost production while minimizing crop losses from calamities.
During discussions in the Legislative Assembly addressing agrarian distress, Shinde outlined plans to involve a diverse group, including counselors, researchers, retired police officials, and others, to strengthen the Vasantrao Naik Shetkari Swavalamban Mission aimed at empowering farmers.
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Admitting the unequal rainfall distribution causing water scarcity in certain regions, Shinde highlighted the visit of a central team to drought-affected areas. They've sought Rs 2,587 crore aid for farmers across 40 tehsils. Additionally, they've identified 1,021 revenue mandals facing drought despite not meeting the Centre’s criteria and are seeking assistance for them.
The government has implemented various schemes such as farm loan restructuring, power bill concessions, and exam fee waivers. They're also providing aid twice the amount offered by the NDRF. Shinde detailed the allocation of the Rs 44,278 crore across departments like Relief and Rehabilitation, Agriculture, Cooperation, Marketing, Food and Civil Supplies, and Animal Husbandry.
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Moreover, they've increased the grain farmer bonus to Rs 20,000 per hectare, up from the previous Rs 15,000. To address onion-related concerns, Shinde introduced the 'Mahabank of Onions,' employing nuclear technology for onion irradiation, aided by nuclear scientist Dr. Anil Kakodkar. The government is in talks with Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to address the Centre's ban on onion exports. Shinde also announced the establishment of the Konkan Area Development Authority (KADA) to foster comprehensive development in the coastal Konkan region.
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