17 lakh farmers in M''wada deprived of assistance

Aurangabad, Dec 15:

Around 17 lakh farmers in Marathwada are deprived of compensation for damage due to heavy rains. The first phase grant of Rs 1,336 crore has reached 21 lakh farmers. The second phase grant is likely to be received after inspection by NDRF. Sources said that the aid would be credited to the accounts of 17 lakh farmers only after inspection is complete.

Farmers in Marathwada are still waiting for the second phase of subsidy for the loss of crops due to untimely rains. The first phase of the grant distribution took place in the first week of November. Some of these grants have not been allocated yet. The government had announced a distribution subsidy to the affected farmers before Diwali. However, the first installment of 1,336 crore was given by the government. In all, 37.95 lakh farmers in the division are waiting for the subsidy. The sowing rabi season has started. In the first phase, a grant of Rs 1,336 crore were deposited in account of 21 lakh farmers, however remaining 17 lakh farmers are waiting for subsidy. Due to heavy rains from June to September as well as October, the crops on several hectares were destroyed.

Damages other than agriculture

Last year''s heavy rains have claimed 67 lives and 800 small and large animals. The heavy rains not only damaged crops but also damaged livestock. The number of deaths are 15 from Aurangabad, 14 from Jalna, 5 from Parbhani, 2 from Hingoli, 11 from Nanded, 8 from Beed, 9 from Latur and 3 from Osmanabad. A grant of Rs 4 lakh will be given to the relatives of the deceased. Similarly, 420 large animals, 101 small animals and 238 stray animals died in heavy rains. The houses of 2,030 families were washed away in the heavy rains and 153 cattle sheds were also destroyed.