Central team visits Bijapur, Gadag and Dharwad Districts

Hubli, Apr 8 (UNI) Central team today visited Bijapur, Gadag and Dharwad Districts to assess the damages caused due to unseasonal rains in March.

A four member team visited Gadag and Dharwad Districts and made on the spot inspection of crops lost due to widespread rainfall.

Team members said that "we have found widespread damage to standing crops in Navalgund, Nargund and Ron Taluks in the Districts. We have collected all the details and would submit our report to the Centre very soon".

Affected farmers pleaded for early disbursement of compensation.

The team consisted of Mr Ramesh Abhishekh, Mr D R Murthy, Mr M S Desai and Mr S R Teggimani.

A one-member Central team, accompanied by Bangalore Revenue Department Deputy Secretary Tegginamani today visited various fields to survey the exact loss of grape and other crops due to recent unseasonal rain in Bijapur district.

" We will submit report to the Union Government within 10 days.

It is certainly a natural calamity, hence release of funds from Natural Calamities Fund may be considered", Hyderabad Oil Seed Development Commissioner office Director and team member Dr Gurumukhi told reporters.

Bijapur District Administration has estimated the loss at Rs 230 crores. Standing crops in more than 8720 acres were destroyed due to unseasonal rain, Deputy Commissioner B G Nandakumar said.

The team visited Aliyabad village where the grape cultivated destroyed due to heavy rain.

Grape growers of Tikota division demanded waiver off the loan and interest there on for grape growers and announcement of Vidarbha package for the district UNI BSP/XR MSP HVB1850