United Efforts to Overcome the Drought Situation! Due to a severe lack of rainfall this year, 265 talukas across the state have been adversely affected by drought conditions. Our government stands firmly with everyone affected by this situation. Farmers, agricultural labourers and working people are at the heart of our relief efforts. Every possible measure will be taken to provide the support they need and help them overcome this difficult time. The government has decided to implement 12 relief measures and concessions to provide relief to farmers, students, agricultural labourers, citizens and livestock in these 265 talukas. Following the issuance of the Government Resolution in this regard, directed the concerned District Collectors to immediately begin conducting panchanamas to assess the situation in these talukas. Immediate surveys will be undertaken in the talukas where a drought situation has been declared. Directed the Revenue Department, Agriculture Department and all concerned agencies to work with sensitivity and coordination while ensuring effective communication and coordination at the field level. Recently undertook a tour to review the drought situation in the state. Visited farmers’ fields, inspected the situation and interacted with farmers to understand their difficulties. Assured them that immediate decisions would be taken regarding the drought situation. Accordingly, the government has today issued a Government Resolution regarding the assessment of the drought situation in the state under the Drought Management Code, 2016. Panchanamas will now be conducted in these 265 talukas affected by rainfall deficiency and other factors from June till date, under Trigger-1 (First Trigger) of the drought assessment process. Photographs showing the condition of crops and GPS coordinates of the surveyed areas will be collected, and a crop-condition assessment report will be prepared. 12 Relief Measures and Concessions in Drought Areas 12 relief measures and concessions will be implemented in drought-affected areas. These include: ✅Concession in land revenue ✅Restructuring of crop loans ✅A Stay on the recovery of loans related to agriculture ✅Concession in current electricity bills of agricultural pumps. Electricity bills for pumps up to 7.5 horsepower have already been waived; the concession will apply to pumps above that capacity ✅Waiver of examination fees for school and college students ✅Relaxation of norms for works under the Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGA) to undertake the maximum possible number of works ✅Use of tankers wherever necessary to provide drinking water ✅Electricity connections to agricultural pumps of farmers in villages declared water-scarce will not be disconnected ✅Ensuring adequate supply of foodgrains for farmers and agricultural labourers dependent on agriculture, along with arrangements to prevent shortages ✅Ensuring availability of adequate fodder for livestock ✅Taking up water conservation works ✅Planning for drinking water and water for livestock as per the Government Resolutions already issued 265 Talukas Covered Across Six Revenue Divisions The 265 talukas where ‘Trigger-1’ has been implemented include talukas from various revenue divisions of the state. These comprise 12 talukas from the Thane Revenue Division, 49 from Nashik Division, 35 from Pune Division, 74 from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Division, 56 from Amravati Division and 39 from Nagpur Division. Separate Decision to be Issued for Crop Loss Assistance After completion of the prescribed procedure regarding crop losses suffered by drought-affected farmers, assistance will be announced through a separate Government Resolution. Therefore, the processes of conducting panchanamas and accurately surveying crop conditions will be undertaken meticulously. Against the backdrop of the drought situation, the government has initiated measures at various levels to ensure that farmers, students, labourers and the general public receive the necessary concessions and facilities in time. #Maharashtra #FarmerWelfare