Farmers' news: The state government has made changes to the crop damage compensation policy.

In a significant policy reversal, the Maharashtra state government has rolled back its earlier decision to enhance financial compensation for crop damage, citing central government regulations.

Previously, the state government had revised the criteria for providing compensation to farmers for crop losses, which was originally governed by the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). The revised guidelines were announced on January 1, 2024, by the Mahayuti government under the leadership of then-Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. This government resolution (GR) increased both the rate of assistance and the maximum area per hectare eligible for compensation. Importantly, it removed the SDRF's fixed criteria, enabling more flexible financial aid to affected farmers.

However, the Central Government has mandated that states must adhere strictly to the predefined SDRF norms. As a result, compensation must now be provided as per the previous guidelines issued on March 27, 2023. With this directive, the January 1 GR has been rendered invalid. The Revenue Department has since clarified that a new GR issued on Friday will come into immediate effect, restoring the earlier compensation limits and norms.

The now-invalidated January 1 GR had promised expanded assistance to farmers whose crops were damaged by unseasonal rains and hailstorms in November 2023, as well as to those affected by future natural disasters. This broader aid package had been approved in the state cabinet meeting held on December 19, 2023. This reversal has raised concerns among the farming community, who had welcomed the increased compensation announced earlier. It remains to be seen how the revised policy will impact ongoing relief efforts in affected regions.