The late burst of rainfall for 10-12 days is good news for the Maharashtra government but may be bad news for some families in Marathwda and Vidarbha. The state bears a burden of Rs 84 crore every month, to provide foodgrains at a subsidized rate in 14 districts of the two regions, which could be cut by half.
The state government had started foodgrains at subsidized rates in 14 districts of Marathwada and Vidarbha under the food security scheme. About 60 lakh farmers from perennially drought-prone regions get wheat at Rs 2 per kg and rice at Rs 3 per kg. The scheme had been launched on August 15 this year, considering the situation. The scheme, however, has been implemented only in two drought-affected regions; eight districts in Marathwada and six districts from Vidarbha.
Finance minister Sudhir Mungantiwar told the media that the rain gods had come to the government’s rescue. “The government spends almost Rs 1,000 crore on the subsidized foodgrains for two drought-affected regions. But the rain may help save some money, as the severity (of the drought) has reduced,” he said.
“Though we will continue the subsidy under the food security scheme till next June, the gravity will reduce and the state may save some money,” the minister said.
An official, however, said the scheme could be withdrawn in few places where the farmers’ condition will improve with the rabbi crop. “This may mean a 50% saving in subsidies, which is of Rs 500 crore,” the official said.
The last survey conducted by the government had revealed that there are 60 lakh drought-affected farmers in these two regions. In an earlier survey, the number of drought-affected farmers was 22 lakh. It increased to 60 lakh in the last survey in July-August. The provision of subsidized food- grains was to prevent farmers’ suicides and to drag out the state from distress.
Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had said on Monday that with the latest rainfall the drinking water scene had also greatly improved.