Maha to extend financial aid to affected horticulture farmers

State Rehabilitation Minister Patangrao Kadam told the House about this, in a reply to Subhash Desai (Sena) and others on the issue of damages to the horticulture crops.

Kadam said the government decided on providing aid to affected farmers in a meeting held on May 15 and 17 this year.

He, however, did not quantify the losses.

The state has sought Rs 3,232 crore towards financial assistance for disbursement to affected farmers which was pending for consideration, he said.

Desai and others wanted to know whether the state's contribution will be added to the Central funds. The Sena member demanded that the government should disburse the amount from its kitty instead of awaiting help from the Union.

To which, Kadam said horticulture crops in 13 districts were affected due to paucity of rains in Maharashtra and assured the House to visit and hold meetings in each of them.