Standing crops in 8 districts destroyed by unseasonal rains says Devendra Fadnavis

Speaking in the State Assembly, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that 'recent unseasonal rains damaged standing crops on 13,729 hectares in 8 districts of Maharashtra'.

Fadnavis mentioned that crops such as mango, wheat and 'harbhara' (Bengal gram) have been affected by the untimely showers.

"Orders to release immediate relief and financial assistance have been issued," said Fadnavis.

Maximum damage has been reported from Palghar, Nashik, Ahmednagar, Jalgaon, Nandurbar, Dhule, Buldhana and Washim districts, he said.

A decision on immediate relief was taken on Tuesday night based on preliminary information and the exact extent of damage is being ascertained, Fadnavis said.

The Chief Minister's office too had spoken with the chief secretary and a few district collectors about the damage to crops. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had also instructed revenue officials to conduct the damage assessment survey of the affected areas.

The issue was raised on March 8 by the Leader of Opposition,Ajit Pawar, in the Maharashtra State Assembly. Pawar demanded that the government should spell out its mitigation plan for the affected farmers who have lost their crops due to 'unseasonal rains, thunderstorms, hailstorms and lightning'.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) legislator Chhagan Bhujbal stated that while the rest of the state celebrated Holi with colors on Tuesday, it was a 'black day' for farmers.

Congress leader Nana Patole raised the demand for the Lower House to set aside the business of the day to discuss the measures needed to provide relief to farmers.