EGoM to take a call on crop damage relief to states on Wednesday

Unseasonal rain & hailstorm early had affected rabi crops in Maharashtra, MP, Rajasthan and Karnataka

The Empowered Group of Ministers on crop damage, headed by Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, is scheduled to meet tomorrow to discuss about extending central relief to states hit by untimely rains and hailstorm.

Unseasonal rain, wind and hailstorm early this month affected rabi (winter) crops in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and some parts of Karnataka.

The state governments have sought immediate relief from the Centre.

"The first meeting of the EGoM on agricultural crop damage is scheduled for tomorrow. The meeting will deliberate on providing relief to affected states," a source said.

The relief would be provided under the National Disaster Response Fund, subject to the clearance from the Election Commission, sources said .

A central team that visited Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh has assessed the situation and prepared a report, which will be discussed in the meeting while deciding the quantum of relief to these two states.

The Maharashtra government had sought around 1,00,000 tonnes of foodgrains as one-time relief to the state as farmers in most parts have lost their entire crop to unseasonal rain and hailstorm, they said.

The horticultural crops especially grapes and some vegetables in Maharashtra have been washed away, threatening the livelihood of farmers. In Madhya Pradesh too, some acres of wheat, gram and oilseeds have been affected, they added.

Finance Minister P Chidambaram, Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia are among other members of the EGoM meeting.