Pune: The state govt has written to the Centre requesting relaxation of some norms to provide drought relief to farmers in the state. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said the first drought notification will be out in the next few days.Fadnavis and the cabinet ministers have been meeting farmers from rain-deficit districts. The CM has announced blanket relief for farmers.State agriculture minister Dattatray Bharne said, “Against the backdrop of the drought-like situation in the state, the chief minister has written to Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan. As per the Centre’s guidelines, along with a physical survey, satellite images of the affected farms are required while submitting the report for compensation. However, the CM has sought relaxation in the satellite image compulsion norms.”More farmers can be given compensation and it will also help avail crop insurance, the state agriculture minister added.Bharne confirmed that the state will not wait for the Centre’s package to help farmers. He said, “Most crops have withered. Even before the detailed survey, we understand it is a difficult drought-like situation and therefore govt will release funds once the notification is out. A detailed report will be sent to the Centre for funds.”
