Crop loss assessments slow in Parbhani district; 1.27 lakh hectares still to be surveyed

Parbhani: With soybean, cotton, tur and other kharif crops withered by a long break in the rains, the slow pace of loss assessments (panchnamas) has become a worry for farmers awaiting compensation. Of the district's total of 5,52,432 hectares, assessments had been completed on 76.86 per cent, or about 4,24,591 hectares, by October 8, and work on 1,27,841 hectares remains.

In view of the gravity of the situation, the government declared drought-like conditions in all nine talukas of the district, after which the agriculture department began assessing affected land. But the work has not moved as fast as expected, and the final report is likely to be delayed.

Gangakhed taluka has completed all its assessments, while Parbhani taluka lags furthest behind. Assessments are due on 1,00,838.60 hectares in its 132 villages; 43,212.84 hectares have been covered, work is under way on another 16,693 hectares, and the process has not yet begun on 40,932.76 hectares.

Source: Esakal