The zonal agricultural office of Sattari has estimated a loss of around Rs 40 lakh in the taluka, with most of the plantations being damaged completely due to the recent cyclonic winds. Keri, Rawan, Sanvordem, Mauxi and Guleli villages in Sattari have been most affected by the high velocity winds and heavy rains. In rural places of Sattari, most of the villagers are involved in agriculture and depend on agricultural income. Farmers, who are in the midst of harvesting their summer crops, experienced their worst time of the season and now hope for the best compensation from the government as soon as possible. Devendra Gawas, a resident of Keri, said that different types of plantations in his village have been completely damaged and due to which, heavy losses were suffered by the farmers. “It was a heartbreaking moment for me to see my banana plantation getting destroyed in the cyclonic winds," he said. Zonal agricultural officer of Sattari Vishwanath Gawas told TOI that banana, arecanut, mango, cashew and coconut plantations have been damaged in different parts of the taluka, however, arecanut and banana plantations are affected the most. "My officials and I have inspected all the plantations which are damaged due to the gusty winds and estimated a loss of around Rs 40 lakh," he said. The zonal officer further said that he has submitted the estimated report to the deputy collector of the taluka and the agriculture department. "We will receive the complaints of the farmers, who can now apply in the prescribed format to claim the compensation," he added. Health minister and Valpoi MLA Vishwajit Rane said that he has been in touch with all the panchayat members, zilla panchayat members and zonal agricultural officers of Sattari to assess the ground situation on loss of crop damage. "I have asked all our people to submit photographic evidence so that a proper report can be prepared and sent to the agriculture minister and the chief minister for their consideration to ensure maximum compensation is paid to the farmers for their loss" Rane said. Source - https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com