Maharashtra's 12-Point Relief Package For Drought-Hit Farmers Falls Short Of Addressing Crisis, Say Activists
The Maharashtra government last week declared a drought in 305 out of the state’s 358 talukas, in the backdrop of a 19 per cent monsoon deficit and the prospect of El Niño conditions intensifying. The state government has stated that it will implement 12 relief measures in these talukas with the aim of providing assistance to farmers facing the impact of deficient rainfall. However, activists and…
Maharashtra's recent announcement of a 12-point drought relief package for the 305 affected talukas has been criticized by activists and agricultural experts, who contend that the measures fall short of addressing the severe agricultural crisis. The state government declared a drought in response to a 19% drop in monsoon rainfall and concerns over El Niño conditions.
The relief package includes land revenue exemptions, loan restructuring, loan recovery waivers and fee relaxations. However, activists argue that the Rs 5,000 advance assistance provided to farmers before Diwali is insufficient, and that the loan restructuring measures are often partial. Anil Ghanwat, leader of Shetkari Sanghatana, stated that only a few of the 12 measures would provide meaningful help to the farmers.
Kishor Tiwari, a former chairperson of a Maharashtra government task force on agrarian distress, expressed concern over the state government's announcement, questioning if farmers should have to starve till administrative procedures are completed.
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