Maharashtra Drought: Rohit Pawar Demands Urgent Relief Measures
NCP (SP) leaders call for immediate financial aid and support for farmers affected by severe drought conditions in Maharashtra.
Rohit Pawar demands Rs 35,000 per hectare as immediate drought relief.
Concerns raised over loan recovery practices affecting farmers.
Supriya Sule emphasizes collaboration with the government for farmer support.
On October 17, during a press conference in Pune, NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar called for urgent measures to tackle the severe drought impacting Maharashtra. He emphasized the need for immediate financial assistance for farmers and agricultural workers, including loan waivers and a comprehensive strategy addressing crop, livestock, and drinking water needs.
Pawar presented alarming statistics regarding the devastation of Kharif crops, the dwindling availability of fodder for livestock, and the critical shortage of drinking water. He highlighted the risk of distress migration from drought-affected regions, underlining the urgency of government intervention. Additionally, he accused microfinance companies of employing coercive recovery tactics against women’s self-help group members, further exacerbating the plight of farmers.
To mitigate the crisis, Pawar proposed a new initiative aimed at safeguarding livestock, particularly goats and sheep, amid the escalating fodder scarcity. He insisted on a loan waiver for farmers and urged the government to ensure full payment of insured amounts under the crop insurance scheme for those affected. "Farmers should receive an advance of Rs 35,000 per hectare, rather than the proposed Rs 1 lakh, and agricultural laborers should get Rs 10,000 per family against the suggested Rs 25,000," he stated.
Pawar warned of potential street protests if the government fails to respond promptly to these demands, asserting that political leaders would face public backlash if immediate actions are not taken. He expressed determination to hold the government accountable for the welfare of farmers.
Supriya Sule, Baramati MP and fellow NCP (SP) leader, echoed Pawar's sentiments, urging the Maharashtra government to act swiftly to provide relief to farmers suffering from the drought. She mentioned that NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar had previously reached out to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, seeking assistance for those impacted by the drought. Sule emphasized her party's commitment to collaborate with the government, stating, "We are prepared to work alongside the government to support distressed farmers. The farmer is in distress today, and we must act together to alleviate their suffering."
