Rashtriya Chemical Fertilizers Ltd (RCF) has donated Rs 60 lakh to Maharashtra government-sponsored Baliraja Chetana Abhiyan to help farm widows in the district by buying them livestock.
The abhiyan works to prevent farmer suicides in the state that has witnessed slew of farmer suicides in last many years owing to debt and persistent drought.
"We have been receiving donations from various trusts, NGOs and philanthropists. We had requested Minister of State for Chemical Fertilizers Hansraj Ahir to raise fund for abhiyan. He in turn requested RCF authorities to extend their possible help," project director and resident deputy collector Rajesh Khawale said.
In its response, RCF authorities agreed to donate a sum of Rs 60 lakh, which is highest amount since the launching of the scheme.
"We would utilise the amount to giving livestock to 73 farm widows and goats to 69 farm widows in Yavatmal," Khawale said, adding that 142 beneficiaries would be able to generate income through ancillary business along with regular farming.
Livestock would be procured through the help of veterinary department experts and later handed over to beneficiaries, he added.
