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Maharashtra government on Friday ordered a stay on crop loan recovery by financial institutions from farmers in 42 talukas in state.
The decision was taken to provide relief to farmers reeling under financial crisis due to loss of crops. Recurring unseasonal rains and hailstorms led to crop losses in several parts of state.
The farmers crisis was further compounded by a rain deficit. Apart from the long dry spell, there was 14 per cent less rainfall in parts of Maharashtra, especially the drought-prone Marathwada region.
In October, the state government had declared 42 talukas in the state as drought-hit. The decision was taken in a cabinet meeting.
During the monsoons, the state received 13.5 per cent less than normal rain, resulting in kharif-growing areas shrinking by 2.50 lakh hectares.
The talukas under severe drought include Nandurbar, Chalisgaon, Bhokardhan, Jalna, Badnapur, Ambad, Mantha, Sambhajinagar, Soygaon, Malegaon, Sinnar, Yeola, Purandar, Saswad, Baramati, Vadvani, Dharur, Ambejogai, Renapur, vashi, Dharashiv Lohara, Barshi, Malshiras and Sangola.
The talukas categorised under medium drought include Sindhkhed Raja, Buldhana, Lonar, Shirur, Ghodnandi, Daund, Indapur, Karmala, Mhada, Wai, Khandala, Hatkanangle, Gadhinglaj, Shirala, Kadegaon, Khanapur Vita and Miraz.
Almost 14 talukas out of 42 are from Marathwada region. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde indicated that based on ground reports and subject to the compliance of drought parameters, relief will be extended to other talukas soon.
Earlier, the talukas that had been declared drought-hit were given land revenue exemption and restructuring of crop loans.
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