Minister Eshwar Khandre addressed the media in Bidar regarding the status of crop loss compensation, providing detailed figures on the funds disbursed to farmers affected by the recent heavy rainfall and flooding (Ativrushti). He also took the opportunity to criticize the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Status of Compensation in Bidar
Minister Khandre stated that due to excessive rainfall, 1,69,000 hectares of crops were damaged in the district. He provided the following breakdown of compensation released so far:
- Initial Relief (NDRF/SDRF): ₹140 crore has already been credited to the accounts of 1,80,000 farmers, adhering to NDRF (National Disaster Response Fund) and SDRF (State Disaster Response Fund) norms.
- State Government Top-Up: An additional ₹8,500 per hectare was released by the State Government, along with ₹130 crore announced by the Chief Minister following an aerial survey.
- Total Disbursed: Out of the total compensation amount of ₹280 crore, ₹258 crore has already been deposited into farmers' bank accounts.
- Pending Funds: ₹20 crore is currently pending due to technical issues, and instructions have been given to officials to resolve the matter and ensure the money is disbursed quickly.
Minister Khandre asserted that the government has successfully deposited the crop compensation into farmers' accounts in a short time, keeping its promise. Furthermore, he has directed the District Collector to release ₹40 crore related to crop insurance.
Attack on the Opposition BJP
The Minister firmly declared the current administration is a pro-farmer government that cares deeply about the farming community. He then launched a sharp attack on the opposition BJP, stating they had "no moral right" to question the government.
Khandre urged the BJP MLAs to stop putting on a "drama" and shedding "crocodile tears." He suggested that instead of besieging the Agriculture Department offices, the BJP legislators should focus on putting pressure on the Central Government to secure additional relief funds for the state.
He also clarified a key policy point: "The price of sugarcane is fixed by the Central Government, not by us," implying the BJP should direct their criticism towards the Centre on this matter as well.
