PUNE: “Around 1.5 lakh hectares of agriculture land in the State has been destroyed due to floods mostly in Western Maharashtra, Konkan and some areas of Khandesh,” said Minister of Employment Guarantee and Horticulture of Maharashtra, Jaydutt Kshirsagar.
He was speaking to the media after a State-level review meeting held at Commissionerate of Agriculture on Friday. He said that the Department of Horticulture has decided to take initiative to revive the damaged orchards. He said, “From the satellite estimates, the total crop loss so far is up to 1.5 lakh hectares. These are the primary statistics and we are collecting the data. Panchanama has been started by the Department of Revenue and Agriculture. However, farmers will be provided help in digging pits for planting damaged orchards.”
“The flood situation in Western Maharashtra is serious. The crop has been damaged. However, 600 tankers are still operating in Marathwada and preparations for artificial rain are underway. Osmanabad, Beed areas have not received enough rainfall. There are urgent measures being taken at the government level to cope with both these conditions,” said Kshirsagar.
He said around 24 lakh hectares have been provided drip subsidy under the Prime Minister Agriculture Irrigation Scheme of more crop per drop. Under the drip scheme 80 per cent subsidy will be given to some areas which are mostly districts of Marathawada, 77 talukas of Vidarbha and 14 drought- hit districts of Western Maharashtra. He said grapes have been included under horticulture and drip scheme will also be implemented for cashew development.
Agriculture Commissioner Suhas Diwase who was also present said, “In case of crop loss, more than one lakh hectare area has been affected in 11 districts. It is likely to have an area of 40,000 hectares in Kolhapur district. Although the total loss is around 1.5 lakh hectares, precise information has not yet been obtained as our offices are also in the water.”
