Maharashtra Expands Drought Assessment to 36 Additional Talukas
The state government initiates surveys in 36 more talukas to evaluate drought conditions and assist farmers with loan waivers.
Surveys to assess drought conditions in 36 new talukas.
20% ground-truthing order issued for 18 talukas.
Village-wise lists to aid farmers in completing e-KYC for loan waivers.
The Maharashtra government has announced plans to conduct surveys in 36 additional talukas that have not yet been classified as drought-affected. This decision aims to evaluate the current ground situation in these regions, which are facing agricultural challenges due to insufficient rainfall.
In an official order issued today, the government mandated a 20 percent ground-truthing process in 18 of these talukas. This involves field verification to gather accurate data on the drought conditions. The results of these surveys will play a crucial role in determining whether these areas should be added to the list of drought-affected regions, allowing for necessary relief measures to be implemented.
Additionally, the government is taking steps to support farmers who have been unable to benefit from crop loan waivers due to incomplete electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) processes. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced that village-wise lists of eligible beneficiaries will be prepared to facilitate this initiative. The aim is to ensure that farmers whose applications for loan waivers have been approved can access the benefits they are entitled to.
To expedite the e-KYC completion, talathis (village revenue officials) and gram sevaks (village-level workers) will be visiting farmers' homes. This outreach effort is designed to assist farmers in finalizing their documentation, thereby enabling them to receive the financial support necessary for their agricultural activities.
Looking ahead, the government is expected to closely monitor the outcomes of these surveys and the e-KYC completion process. Future announcements regarding the inclusion of additional talukas in the drought-affected list and updates on the loan waiver benefits for farmers are anticipated in the coming weeks.
