Although the state government has declared a ‘Drought like situation’ in 187 Talukas but with the new criteria set by the government to help the affected farmers, about 67 Talukas
in Mahrashtra are likely to be deprived from the help. The government has been criticized by the farmers and the oppositions as well for setting many technically critical conditions to help the drought affected people.
Last week, the government has shown their Pro-Farmers approach by declaring drought in 187 talukas to help the farmers in distress. But with the announcement, the kind of criteria they have kept to help the farmers are very tricky that the help seems to be remain on paper only.
The examination of drought situation will again take place in the drought declared Talukas. Although the survey will be done through the Agriculture Officials and the concerned Gram Sevak, but since the changes made in the criteria are very tricky, about 62 Talukas are likely to be deprived from the help.
To oppose these complicated criteria that keeps Farmers away from help, the farmers associations in the state will be conducting protest on 2nd November 2018.
New criteria
While declaring the drought, the Central Government has taken into account the main four parameters like plant linked index, cultivation area, soil moisture index and water related index. While considering plant status indicators, 60 to 100 percent normal conditions, 40 to 60 moderate drought conditions and 0 to 40 percent critical drought conditions will be considered. Considering the rainfall measurement, the first intensity of drought will be applied if the rainfall is 3 to 4 weeks, 50 percent less than the average of rainfall in June to July and 75 percent in June to September.
Dhananjay Munde, Leader of Opposition, Legislative Council
“The new criteria set by the state and central government is very hard to understand even for the government officials. Many farmers have faced huge loss due to the criteria set by the government in the year 2016. We have been demanding to change these criteria since then. This would bring more outrage among the farmers against government. This is an anti-farmer act that would only benefit to the insurance companies.”
Dr. Ajit Navale, President, Shetkari Kisan Sabha
“The State Government has not given anything to the farmers by declaring a drought like situation in the state. These new criteria have many technical things that will not work for any farmers; it will be very time-consuming also. Therefore, we have completely opposed to these new rules and have demanded that government should announce a complete drought in the villages where there is scarcity of water and agricultural income has decreased.”
Chandrakant Patil, Revenue Minister
“Farmers will not be affected with these new criteria; our government is always there to help farmers. All the affected Talukas will definitely get proper help. Everyone should jointly face the problem rather than politicize the issue.”
