Government Doubles Input Subsidy for Farmers Affected by Natural Calamities

In a notification dated September 14, 2022, the Maharashtra government indicated a rise in input subsidy prices for the forthcoming sowing season. The decision is intended to provide help to farmers impacted by severe weather conditions including intense rainfall, floods, cyclones, and other natural disasters.

The per-hectare input subsidy for rain-fed agriculture has increased from Rs. 6,800 to Rs. 13,600. The amount of financial assistance for irrigated land has increased from Rs 13,500 to Rs 27,00.

The assistance provided to farmers who use canals or other permanent irrigation systems to harvest crops all year has doubled from Rs 18,000. All financial help for the scheme is limited to two hectares.

Farmers were impacted by July's heavy rainfall, according to the notification. Additionally, during the current Kharif season, areas in the Marathwada region including Latur, Osmanabad, and Beed faced snail infestation.

Continuous rains struck Maharashtra on July 11 and 12, flooding 800,000 hectares of land in 24 districts around the Marathwada region. According to statistics from the India Meteorological Department, the rains, which totaled 326 millimeters, harmed various crops, including rice, corn, cotton, soybean, banana, and other vegetables.

According to the official statement, farmers demanding input subsidies will have their applications inspected and validated, and any necessary help will be given. A budget of Rs 98.58 crore has been set aside by the state government for the purpose.

The central government has also classified the pest attack as a natural calamity. The selected beneficiaries will have money instantly transferred into their bank accounts after being shortlisted.

Farmers, on the other hand, view the news with skepticism and caution.

According to Kailash Tawar, district president of the Maharashtra-based Shetkari Sanghatna farmers' organization, the state government has launched a number of farmer-oriented schemes. But none have accrued actually to benefit them.

Tawar said that Eknath Shinde, the chief minister, has announced the release of roughly Rs 900 crore for the building of an irrigation canal in Paithan, which is located about 30 kilometers from Aurangabad. But when he addressed a gathering on September 14, he avoided mentioning the planned investment.

He added that the Devendra Fadnavis government started the program in 2015, but farmers had their doubts about whether it would actually make a difference in their quality of life. Prior to the start of the rabi season's sowing, he said, "It is also important that the inspections are conducted equitably and that the financial support is received on time."