5 days ago
Maharashtra farmers may get less compensation for crop losses due to heavy rainfall
Maharashtra government's new order on compensation for crop losses due to heavy rainfall is likely to offer less as compared to the earlier one.
The government on Friday issued a new government resolution (GR) cancelling the earlier one of January 2024 on the criteria of eligibility for compensation in case of crop loss due to natural calamity and additional financial aid per hectare.
As per the GR issued by the Revenue department, the state government has brought down the total eligible limit of land to claim compensation from 3 hectares (7.5 acres) to 2 hectares (5 acres) and also reduced the rate of compensation per hectare of crops on non irrigated land, irrigated land and cash crops like fruits.
'State cabinet has decided to give compensation to farmers as per the criteria decided by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDRF). So from Kharif 2025 the compensation criteria would be followed as per the order dated March 27, 2023 and the order issued in this regard on January 1, 2024 has been cancelled,' it stated.
As per the 2024 order, land area eligible for compensation was increased to 3 hectares from 2 hectares. 'At present farmers get the compensation at the rate of Rs 8,500 per hectare for non-irrigated crops. Now onwards the rate would be Rs 13,600 per hectare. For crops on irrigated land this rate has been increased from current Rs 17,000 per hectare to Rs 27,000 per hectare. For cash crops and fruits, the current rate of compensation is Rs 22,500 per hectare and now it has been increased to Rs 36,000 per hectare,' stated the order issued on January 1, 2024.
All this now stands cancelled and the farmers will be paid as per the old rates.
According to sources in the Relief and Rehabilitation department, the MLAs from regions which suffered crop losses due to heavy rainfall have been pushing for more compensation. 'MLAs are asking us to give compensation more than the NDRF norms. But the cabinet decision has been announced,' said an official.
