Vidarbha, Maharashtra: Recent unseasonal rains and hailstorms have wreaked havoc on agricultural lands in western Vidarbha and Marathwada, causing extensive damage to crops across 38,000 hectares. The affected regions include Amaravati, Akola, Yavatmal, Washim, Buldhana, Nagpur, Wardha, Jalna, Sambhaji Nagar, and Beed, with crops such as maize, onions, fruits, and vegetables bearing the brunt of the untimely weather.
This natural calamity comes at a critical juncture, posing an unexpected challenge for the ruling alliance comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP, especially amidst the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Farmers in these regions are anticipating immediate relief measures from the state government to mitigate their losses.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Agriculture Minister Dhananjay Munde have swiftly responded to the crisis by assessing the situation and initiating relief measures. CM Shinde has directed district collectors to take immediate action and has urged the Election Commission of India to exempt relief efforts from the code of conduct, recognizing the urgency of the situation.
Meanwhile, Munde has visited affected villages in Marathwada, emphasizing the significant impact on vegetable and fruit crops. He has instructed the administration to expedite the assessment of crop losses and urged insured farmers to report their losses to insurance companies promptly.
Vijay Jawandhiya, a prominent farmers’ leader from the ‘Shetkari Sanghatana,’ expressed concern over the lack of immediate assistance for farmers affected by previous untimely rains in February and March. He highlighted the urgency of support from the administration in light of the recent damages, emphasizing the dire need for swift action to alleviate farmers’ hardships.
The meteorological department has issued orange and yellow alerts for the region for the next two days, indicating continued risks of adverse weather conditions. The looming challenges faced by farmers and the political ramifications of this crisis underscore the critical need for coordinated efforts to address agricultural losses and support affected communities in these crucial times.
Sources By Agencies
