Question : Drought Situation in Maharashtra

(a): whether the Union Government has received any request from the State Government of Maharashtra with regard to drought situation in some districts of the State since 2014 till date and if so, the details thereof;

(b): whether the Government had sent any Central Team to visit drought-hit districts and for assessing loss to paddy, cotton and other crops due to drought;

(c): if so, the details of the same;

(d): whether the Government has announced any financial package for the farmers of drought-hit districts of Maharashtra; and

(e): if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

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(a) to (e): Yes, Sir. As per the existing procedure, on receipt of Memorandum from the State seeking financial assistance from National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) in the wake of drought, Inter Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) is constituted. IMCT visits the State for assessment of the drought situation and requirement of financial assistance from NDRF. Taking into account the recommendations of the IMCT and the recommendations of the Sub Committee of National Executive Committee (SC-NEC) thereon, the Government of India approves assistance from NDRF. The details of financial assistance approved by the Central Government to the State Government of Maharashtra for drought since 2014-15 are as under:

Year Calamity Number of districts affected by drought Amount approved by Central Government
(Rs. in Crore)
2014-15 Drought (Kharif) 26 1962.99
2015-16 Drought (Kharif) 21 3638.83
Drought (Rabi) 02 679.54
2018-19 Drought (Kharif) 26 4714.28
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