Mumbai — The Maharashtra state government has extended the deadline for kharif crop inspections by one month, from September 30 to October 31, in a move aimed at ensuring comprehensive coverage of farmers affected by recent heavy rainfall and waterlogging.
The extension comes as thousands of farmers across the state grapple with crop damage caused by unseasonal downpours that have left fields waterlogged and crops destroyed. Officials say the additional time will allow authorities to conduct thorough physical inspections of affected farmland, replacing the earlier online assessment process.
"We are shifting from online inspections to physical verification to get an accurate picture of the actual losses on the ground," a government official stated. "Our goal is to achieve 100 percent coverage and ensure no farmer is left out of this inspection exercise."
Village revenue officers have been assigned direct responsibility for the inspection drive, with strict instructions to ensure every affected farmer in their jurisdiction is included in the assessment. The inspection data will be crucial in determining the extent of losses and facilitating the disbursement of relief funds from both state and Central government coffers.
Opposition Criticizes Delay
However, the government's approach has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, who argue that bureaucratic procedures are delaying much-needed assistance to distressed farmers.
"Instead of wasting time with inspections, the government should immediately announce blanket relief for all affected farmers," opposition leaders said, emphasizing that relief should take priority over assessment procedures.
Political leaders from various opposition parties have warned of escalating tensions if relief measures are not announced swiftly. They have issued an ultimatum to the government, threatening to launch statewide protests if relief is not declared by October 10.
Government Promises Relief Before Diwali
Responding to the criticism, the state government has assured farmers that relief payments will be disbursed before Diwali, which falls at the end of October. Officials maintain that the inspection process is necessary to ensure that assistance reaches genuinely affected farmers and that funds are distributed fairly based on actual crop losses.
The extended deadline is expected to benefit thousands of farming families who have been struggling with the aftermath of the recent weather events, though the debate over the pace of relief continues to intensify as the political stakes rise ahead of the festive season.
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