In order to provide timely and adequate financial relief to farmers affected by drought, unseasonal rain and hailstorms in Maharashtra, the state cabinet has decided to increase the limit of contingency fund to Rs 2,000 crore. Currently, the contingency fund is Rs 150 crore. The state government has decided to use this fund until the central government approves and disburses its relief fund requirement of Rs 4,803 crore.The Maharashtra cabinet also decided to waive off purchase tax on sugarcane given by the state-based cooperative sugar factories, for the current fiscal. The decision was taken in view of the financial difficulties faced by the sugar cooperatives, who are not even able to pay fair and remunerative price to farmers although it is legally mandatory.