Heavy rains, local cloud bursts and floods have resulted in over 41 lakh crop loss claims under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bhima Yojana in Maharashtra. A compensation of 2.63 million rupees has already been transferred to the accounts of 4,974 farmers.
Many areas of the region have been hit by heavy rains in the last few weeks. Isolated cases of cloudburst have been reported in Maharashtra. In the past few years, rains have become a regular feature, so the end of September and October has become a worrying time for the farmers.
It rains crops such as soybeans, cotton, bajra, vegetables and fruit and vegetable crops such as grapes. Farmers in Vidarbha and Marathwada regions are vulnerable to such losses given the propensity of heavy rains during retreat. The farmers of these areas have been at the forefront of insuring their crops for centuries. The long tail of the receding monsoon continues to lash many parts of Maharashtra. Maharashtra has seen 96.61 lakh applications this season while the farmers have paid Rs 656.02 crore as premium share.
Out of the 41.63 lakh applications received, the survey has been completed for 30.56 lakh claims, which is compensation worth Rs 835.80 crore. The study of 11.07 lakh claims is yet to be completed. In addition, during the autumn rains from July to August, the crops of the farmers are being attacked by pests and insects in addition to the low soil moisture. Out of the 15 districts that have made such claims, three districts – Jalna, Gondia and Kolhapur – have completed payment of Rs 45.41 crore to farmers. Demolition of claims in other districts is on. The Agriculture Department hopes that all claims will be settled by Diwali.