Declare Drought in Marathwada, Demand Rs 1 Lakh Aid Per Acre: Sambhaji Brigade
Pimpri : The Sambhaji Brigade has demanded that the Maharashtra government declare a dry drought in Marathwada and provide immediate financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh per acre to farmers affected by the prolonged lack of rainfall.
In a memorandum submitted to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the organisation said rainfall in several parts of Marathwada has remained extremely low since June. Despite inadequate rainfall, farmers went ahead with sowing, hoping for better rains. However, the prolonged dry spell has caused crops to wither, leaving farmers facing serious financial difficulties.
Farmers have already incurred substantial expenses on seeds, fertilisers, pesticides and sowing, but the lack of rainfall has put their crops at risk, the organisation said.
The Sambhaji Brigade urged the state and central governments to immediately assess the situation, declare a drought and deposit Rs 1 lakh per acre as relief into farmers’ bank accounts.
It also demanded immediate crop-loss assessments, along with timely benefits under crop insurance, drought relief measures and other government schemes.
The memorandum was signed by Sambhaji Brigade Pimpri-Chinchwad city president Satish Kale, working president Vishal Mithe and vice-president Ganesh Devaram.
Kale said the government should take an immediate decision and provide direct financial assistance to farmers instead of limiting relief to announcements.
