Congress leaders seek drought-hit status for Mahararashtra’s Latur, urgent relief measures
Congress leaders in Maharashtra, India, are demanding that the state government declare Latur district drought-hit due to severe rainfall deficits. The lack of water and crop damage has left farmers in distress, prompting calls for financial aid and expanded relief schemes.
Why it matters
Agricultural instability in India significantly impacts local food security and the economic livelihoods of millions of rural workers.
Congress leaders have urged the Maharashtra government to declare Latur district drought-hit and initiate urgent relief measures, citing inadequate rainfall and extensive damage to kharif crops.
Speaking at a review meeting of the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee, they said the prevailing drought-like situation warranted immediate government intervention and financial assistance to farmers.
The meeting was attended by Latur MP Shivaji Kalge, former minister Amit Deshmukh and MLC Vikram Kale.
Mr. Kalge urged the Agriculture Department to prepare a report on damage to kharif crops and submit it to the government. He also asked officials to ensure that crop losses were accurately recorded, according to a release by Deshmukh.
A prolonged dry spell of nearly one-and-a-half months had severely damaged soybean and other kharif crops, leaving farmers and agricultural labourers distressed, said Mr. Deshmukh.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in