Nov. 30: Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Maharashtra has called for urgent compensation to be provided to farmers who have suffered crop damage in 18 districts as a result of unseasonal rains and hailstorms. In a statement to the media, the President of JIH Maharashtra, Maulana Ilyas Khan Falahi expressed deep concern over reports of over 90,000 hectares of crop damage in various regions of Maharashtra, including North Maharashtra, Marathwada, and Vidharbha.
The JIH Maharashtra chief said, “The heavy rains and hailstorms have caused significant damage to crops such as grapes, bananas, oranges, and onions, leading to a surge in prices and adversely affecting the common man. The onion market in Lasalgaon has already witnessed a substantial increase in onion prices.
“Additionally, there are worries about slow sowing due to low soil moisture, which could have a detrimental impact on mango farming and cotton/ cereal production in Vidarbha and Marathwada. While the Chief Minister’s instructions for assessing the extent of crop loss are commendable, what is urgently needed is the immediate allocation of compensation to the affected farmers. These farmers rely entirely on their harvest for their livelihood, and extensive crop damage results in severe financial losses that may force them to seek loans at exorbitant interest rates. This could trap them in a vicious cycle of debt, leading to an increase in farmers’ suicides.
“Therefore, it is advisable to provide immediate compensation to assist the farmers in their time of need. Jamaat-e-Islami demands that the State Government of Maharashtra takes up the issue on a priority-basis and immediately announces a compensation of Rs. 15,000 per acre and help the farmers, keeping their situation in mind. Farmers and small traders should be given a chance to rebuild their lives by providing interest-free loans.”
