The farmer, Digambar Sudhakar Tangde, a resident of Dawarwadi village in Paithan taluka, said he was shocked when he got a message on his phone informing him that Rs 6 had been credited to his bank account as crop loss assistance
Recently, several farmers in Akola district claimed to have received as little as Rs 3 and Rs 21 for losses. Representational pic
A farmer from Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district has claimed he received only Rs 6 as compensation for crop losses caused by heavy rains and flooding earlier this year, calling the amount “an insult” to farmers who have been waiting months for aid, news agency PTI reported.
The farmer, Digambar Sudhakar Tangde, a resident of Dawarwadi village in Paithan taluka, said he was shocked when he got a message on his phone informing him that Rs 6 had been credited to his bank account as crop loss assistance.
“I have just two acres of land. I got a message that ₹6 had been credited into my bank account. The government should be ashamed of paying so little. This amount is not even enough to buy a cup of tea,” Tangde said, adding, “The government has played a big joke on the farmers.”
He spoke to reporters at Nandar village on Wednesday during Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray’s visit to the Marathwada region, where he has been interacting with farmers affected by the recent heavy rains, PTI reported.
“We need a proper loan waiver, but the government is making fun of us by sending such amounts. We have nothing to do with politics, but at least Uddhav Thackeray gave a loan waiver during his tenure as chief minister. This government only makes announcements and does nothing,” added Tangde.
The issue of meagre compensation amounts is not limited to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
Recently, several farmers in Akola district claimed to have received as little as Rs 3 and Rs 21 under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) for losses due to heavy rains. Calling the payments “insulting,” they protested at the district collector’s office and returned the cheques, reported PTI.
Farmers in parts of Maharashtra, especially in the Marathwada region, have suffered extensive crop damage following heavy rains and flooding in August and September.
In October, the Maharashtra government announced a Rs 31,628 crore relief package for affected farmers. The package includes compensation for crop losses, soil erosion, injuries, ex-gratia for next of kin, and financial aid for damaged houses, shops, and cattle sheds.
However, many farmers say that the aid reaching them is paltry and delayed, deepening frustration in a region already grappling with agrarian distress.
(With PTI inputs)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
