There appears to be no respite for farmers as unseasonal showers continue to ravage cropland in the Konkan and the northern and western parts of Maharashtra.
With the onset of the Rabi season, the situation looks grim for farmers in these regions with more heavy post-monsoon showers forecast over the next 48 hours.
Earlier post-monsoon showers, coupled with the destructive effects of successive cyclones, had led to the destruction of more than 15 lakh acres of cropland with soybean, maize, jowar, cotton and the rice crops especially badly hit.
‘Govt. lacks sensitivity’
In view of the situation, the All Indian Kisan Sabha (AIKS) has demanded that the administration not delay in completing the damage assessment process and drawing up panchnamas .
Criticising the ruling BJP and Shiv Sena leadership, Dr. Ajit Nawale, State general secretary, AIKS, said politicians have not dealt sensitively with the agrarian crisis wrought by unseasonal rain. “Instead of rushing to provide succour to the farmers, these leaders are immersed in the politics of government formations. Given the scale of damage to crops, the need of the hour is to recompense these farmers immediately,” Dr. Nawale said.
According to private weather forecaster Skymet, Sindhudurg district in South Konkan is likely to receive moderate rain with isolated heavy spells. There have been moderate showers over parts of central Maharashtra and Marathwada in the past 24 hours.
According to the India Meteorological Department, Nashik and Jalgaon districts in north Maharashtra; Pune, Satara, Solapur and Ahmednagar in western Maharashtra; and Latur, Nanded and Osmanabad in the normally arid Marathwada region are likely to witness thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds at isolated places in the next 24 hours.
Excess rainfall
Most parts of the State have received rainfall in excess of 100%, with the Pune division recording 138% rainfall and the State cumulatively recording more than 112%.
