Congress leaders have urged the Maharashtra government to declare Latur district drought-hit and initiate urgent relief measures, citing inadequate rainfall and extensive damage to kharif crops.

Speaking at a review meeting of the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee, they said the prevailing drought-like situation warranted immediate government intervention and financial assistance to farmers.

The meeting was attended by Latur MP Shivaji Kalge, former minister Amit Deshmukh and MLC Vikram Kale.

Mr. Kalge urged the Agriculture Department to prepare a report on damage to kharif crops and submit it to the government. He also asked officials to ensure that crop losses were accurately recorded, according to a release by Deshmukh.

A prolonged dry spell of nearly one-and-a-half months had severely damaged soybean and other kharif crops, leaving farmers and agricultural labourers distressed, said Mr. Deshmukh.

“With Kharif crops severely damaged, the district is also facing the possibility of water and fodder shortages,” he said.

He urged the government to immediately provide financial assistance to farmers in drought-affected areas and take steps through crop insurance companies to compensate them for crop losses.

He also demanded the expansion of the farm loan waiver scheme, payment of educational and examination fees of school and college students by the government, and the opening of fodder camps and supply of water through tankers wherever necessary.

MLC Kale directed officials to plan and complete works through the rural employment VB-G RAM G scheme and the district annual plan.

Also Read : Latur’s struggle for water

Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule had said on Monday that a drought-like situation had developed in 18 districts of the state due to inadequate rainfall.

He said nearly half of Maharashtra’s farmers were currently facing a drought-like situation.