Drought-like conditions in Maharashtra: Sharad Pawar makes 9 major demands to CM Fadnavis
A lack of rainfall in several parts of Maharashtra has compounded the woes of farmers. Kharif crops such as soybean, cotton, pearl millet (bajra), maize, tur (pigeon pea), moong (green gram), and urad (black gram) are reportedly suffering damage, alongside an increasing incidence of pest attacks and crop diseases. Amidst this situation, senior NCP leader and MP Sharad Pawar has written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, demanding the immediate implementation of relief measures for farmers, agricultural laborers, and rural areas.
Pawar has demanded that a drought be declared in severely affected talukas without waiting for the completion of formal assessment procedures. He has sought financial assistance of at least ₹50,000 per hectare for farmers and special aid of ₹25,000 for agricultural laborer families dependent on farming.
He called for the immediate implementation of a farm loan waiver scheme and the provision of fresh crop loans. He also demanded that the incentive subsidy provided to farmers who regularly repay their loans be increased from ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh. Furthermore, he urged the inclusion of farmers who defaulted this year—after having taken crop loans for the 2025-26 cycle—in the loan waiver scheme.
Pawar demanded the retrospective implementation of the 'one-rupee crop insurance scheme' and the immediate disbursement of the ₹17,000-per-hectare aid announced for losses caused by unseasonal rains last year.
Additionally, he demanded the initiation of water conservation works under the Employment Guarantee Scheme in drought-affected talukas, the provision of water tankers for orchards, arrangements for drinking water and fodder, and the provision of essential services for livestock.
Pawar also called for the regulation of load-shedding, the establishment of control rooms at state and district levels, and a complete waiver of school and college fees in drought-affected talukas.
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