Six out of the eight districts in Maharashtra's Marathwada region are currently grappling with a drought-like situation akin to the scenario witnessed in 2014, as confirmed by Dhananjay Munde, the state's agriculture minister, on Friday (August 25). Conducting a comprehensive evaluation of water availability, crops, and cattle fodder across the eight Marathwada districts, Munde revealed that an imperative policy decision is required to address the issue of providing relief to farmers.
According to a PTI report, this relief, which comes in the form of partial crop insurance payouts, is impeded by automated rain measurement systems that create obstacles in calculating rain gaps between two spells.
"This year, six districts are at risk of experiencing drought. Hingoli and Nanded are the only districts in Marathwada that have received average seasonal rainfall up to this point. Our existing provision allows for a 25 percent crop insurance payout if a rain gap of 21 days occurs," he was quoted as saying by PTI.
He said, "However, the automated machines register even minimal rainfall of 2-2.25 mm during daylight hours, interrupting the sequence of 21 dry days. This interruption is causing complications in distributing a portion of the crop insurance funds to farmers."
To address this challenge, Munde disclosed that he has requested the involvement of the relief and rehabilitation minister in discussions with central government ministers to explore potential solutions.
He further said, "I will address this matter during the state cabinet meeting. A decisive policy determination is necessary. Furthermore, I have instructed district collectors to visit each taluka and provide crop status reports within a week."
Munde emphasised the importance of ensuring relief for farmers with regards to Rabi season crops and cattle fodder. He called for an end to forceful loan recovery from farmers and proposed that water reserved in regional projects be allocated for drinking purposes. Additionally, he outlined plans for a mid-adversity survey that will involve collaboration between agriculture, revenue departments, and insurance companies.
As per an official announcement, the Marathwada region, historically parched, has experienced 52 days without rainfall as of August 24.
"The region has received a total of 372.30 millimeters of rainfall, falling short of the average 469.90 millimeters. Comparatively, in 2014, the region only recorded 414 millimeters throughout the season, significantly below the average of 779 millimeters," the official said.
The Marathwada region comprises Aurangabad, Jalna, Prbhani, Beed, Osmanabad, Nanded, Hingoli, and Latur districts.
During discussions on various other subjects, Munde disclosed plans for a cabinet meeting in Aurangabad on the occasion of Hyderabad Muktisangram Din, which falls on September 17, the PTI report said.