Dry spell affects tur, soybean crops in Maharashtra; govt to provide aid, says Eknath Shinde

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday said the prolonged dry spell had significantly affected tur soybean and other crops in parts of the state and assured farmers that the government would provide financial assistanceShinde made the remarks during a visit to Dadham and Vyala villages in Balapur taluka of Akola district where he met farmers and inspected fields affected by the lack of rainfallShinde visits cropdamage affected villages in AkolaDuring his visit Shinde interacted with farmers and assessed the condition of crops in the area He inspected fields belonging to GT Jadhav in Dadham and Savita Washimkar in Vyala to assess the impact of the prolonged dry spellFarmers in the region have reported damage to crops including tur and soybean following inadequate rainfall The crop losses have raised concerns among farmers about their income and ability to meet expenses during the agricultural seasonFarmers are facing a crisis due to low rainfall However they must not lose heart as the government stands firmly behind them They will receive substantial assistance Shinde saidGovernment to announce decision on droughtlike conditionsShinde said the state government was examining the situation and would take steps to provide assistance to affected farmersHe said the state cabinet had already discussed the issue and indicated that an official notification regarding droughtlike conditions was expected soonThe government will ensure that the upcoming Diwali wont be bleak for our farmers The state cabinet has discussed the issue and an official notification on droughtlike conditions is expected soon he addedThe announcement comes amid concerns over the impact of inadequate rainfall on agricultural output in several parts of Maharashtra Farmers have been seeking government intervention as crops face stress during a crucial stage of cultivationTur soybean among crops affected by dry spellTur and soybean are among the crops reported to have been affected by the prolonged dry spell in the region The extent of crop damage is being assessed as the government considers measures for farmers facing lossesDuring his field visit Shinde reviewed the condition of crops and spoke directly with farmers about the difficulties they were facing The government is expected to use assessments of crop damage and prevailing conditions to determine the assistance to be providedShinde said farmers should not lose hope despite the difficulties caused by inadequate rainfall and reiterated the governments commitment to supporting themShinde says farmers have first right to government fundsDescribing farmers as the providers of food for society Shinde said they should receive priority when the government allocates financial resourcesHe asserted that farmers had the first right to the government treasury emphasising the need for assistance at a time when crop losses have affected their livelihoodsThe Deputy Chief Ministers visit to Akola comes as the state government reviews the impact of the dry spell and considers measures to support farmers in affected areasWith inputs from PTI