Maharashtra Govt Announces Support For Farmers With Bonuses, New Initiatives

Updated: Sunday, June 23, 2024, 14:18 [IST]

The Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra government is working to support farmers in the state. They have announced a bonus of Rs 20,000 per hectare for paddy-producing farmers. In the last one-and-a-half years, the state has provided Rs 44,278 crore in assistance to farmers.

A task force has been set up to address farmer suicides, a major concern in Maharashtra. The government supports farmers during natural calamities like droughts, heavy rainfall, unseasonal rains, floods, and hailstorms.

Shinde mentioned that Rs 44,278 crore has been disbursed through various schemes. Under the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Shetkari Sanman Yojana, 4.4 lakh farmers benefited from a loan waiver of Rs 18,762 crore. Earlier in 2023, a bonus of Rs 20,000 per hectare was announced for farmers.

The Shinde government also announced the establishment of the Onion Mahabank to aid onion farmers for the first time in Maharashtra. This initiative aims to support onion farmers and improve their financial stability.

Farmer suicides have been a critical issue in Maharashtra. To curb these suicides, the reconstitution of a task force was announced. This task force will explore ways to make agriculture profitable and increase productivity.

The task force will also focus on protecting crops from unseasonal rains, droughts, or other natural calamities to prevent losses incurred by farmers. The state government aims to ensure that agriculture remains sustainable and profitable.

The Chief Minister reiterated the government's commitment to stand with farmers during every natural calamity. This includes providing timely assistance and implementing measures to minimise the impact of adverse weather conditions on agriculture.

Shinde's announcements reflect the government's continuous efforts to support and uplift the farming community in Maharashtra. By addressing key concerns like financial aid, loan waivers, and suicide prevention, the state aims to build a more resilient agricultural sector.