Kolhapur: An alleged demand for money to conduct a digital crop survey has triggered an official probe in drought-hit Solapur, where such surveys could determine whether farmers receive compensation for crop losses.
The allegation assumes significance as Solapur is reeling under drought and all 11 talukas have been declared drought-hit. “I am going to write to the district collector to set up a jumbo committee with at least two eminent farmers from every village as independent members to finalise the list of farmers eligible for compensation for crop loss due to drought.
Farmers are told to do it themselves, and fearing that they may lose compensation or the insured amount for crop damage, they pay the money demanded by the surveyor,” Patil said. It will ensure that no injustice is done to any farmer who deserves compensation,” Patil said. Crop damage assessment is expected to begin shortly, making the digital survey records crucial in determining the crop standing on individual plots and farmers’ eligibility for compensation. Rayat Kranti Sanghatana state president Suhas Patil alleged that demands for money from farmers for digital crop surveys were widespread. “It has become common practice to seek money from farmers to carry out digital crop surveys.