3 hrs ago
Pawar Seeks Maharashtra Drought Declaration, Loan Waiver for Farmers
Sharad Pawar said Maharashtra did not receive enough rain this season.
He asked the government to officially declare drought in badly affected areas.
He said crops such as soybean, cotton, maize and pulses had been damaged.
Pawar also requested money for farmers and farm-labourer families.
He wanted farm loans waived and new loans provided.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the government was taking the situation seriously.
Fadnavis said a loan-waiver program was already releasing assistance to eligible farmers.
The government also planned drinking-water and fodder support and would seek help from the National Disaster Response Fund.
Sharad Pawar urged Maharashtra to immediately declare drought conditions across seriously affected areas.
Pawar cited rainfall of 748 mm from June 1 to September 15, 19% below average.
He sought compensation of at least Rs 50,000 per hectare for farmers and Rs 25,000 per farm-labourer family.
Pawar also requested an immediate farm-loan waiver and fresh crop loans after damage to several crops.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said relief measures, loan-waiver assistance, drinking water and fodder arrangements were being prepared.
- Who
- Sharad Pawar urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the Maharashtra government to assist affected farmers and labourers.
- What
- Pawar sought a drought declaration, farmer compensation, a farm-loan waiver and fresh crop loans; the government said relief measures were underway.
- Where
- Maharashtra, particularly Marathwada, Vidarbha and parts of western and northern Maharashtra.
- When
- The request was made on Friday, based on rainfall recorded from June 1 to September 15.
- Why
- Pawar cited deficient rainfall, the impact of El Niño, crop damage, and the risk of worsening drinking-water and fodder shortages.
Pawar’s Demands
Maharashtra Government’s Response
Drought declaration
Pawar’s Demands
Sharad Pawar said drought should be declared immediately, without waiting for formal criteria, and that severely affected talukas should be designated drought-affected.
Maharashtra Government’s Response
Devendra Fadnavis said the government was seriously reviewing the drought-like situation and preparing drought-relief measures.
Financial assistance
Pawar’s Demands
Pawar requested at least Rs 50,000 per hectare for affected farmers and Rs 25,000 for each farm-labourer family.
Maharashtra Government’s Response
Fadnavis said the state would provide assistance to all eligible farmers and would seek central support while using its own resources.
Farm loans
Pawar’s Demands
Pawar called for an immediate farm-loan waiver and fresh crop loans.
Maharashtra Government’s Response
Fadnavis said the loan-waiver scheme was already underway, with three lists released and additional lists being prepared.
Key facts
- Rainfall reported
- 748 mm between June 1 and September 15
- Rainfall deficit
- 19% below average, according to Sharad Pawar
- Affected districts
- 31 of Maharashtra’s 36 districts reportedly recorded deficient rainfall
- Requested farmer compensation
- At least Rs 50,000 per hectare
- Requested labourer support
- Rs 25,000 for each farm-labourer family
- Government funding plan
- Maharashtra plans to seek National Disaster Response Fund assistance while providing support from its own resources
- Proposed relief
- Direct farmer assistance, drinking-water arrangements and fodder where necessary
Quotes
Devendra Fadnavis
Maharashtra chief minister
“Mr. Pawar is a senior leader, and it is a matter of satisfaction that he has written a letter to us. I do not want to give any political colour to this. I believe that the state government is doing what it needs to do. If he has any further suggestions for us, we will certainly consider and listen to them.”
deccanchronicle.com
“Considering the gravity of the situation in the state, drought should be declared immediately without waiting for formal criteria. Talukas facing serious situations should be promptly declared as drought-affected and drought relief measures should be implemented.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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