Archive · 2 Oct 2026
Sharad Pawar Seeks Drought Declaration, Farm Loan Waiver in Maharashtra
Sharad Pawar visited villages in Pune district where farmers are facing severe water shortages.
He saw damaged crops and spoke with residents and farmers.
Pawar said that some affected areas, including Purandar, have not officially been declared drought-hit.
He asked the Maharashtra government to add these areas to the drought-relief programme.
He also demanded that all farm loans for affected farmers be completely waived.
His larger relief plan includes money for farmers and landless workers, free foodgrains, water tankers, and help for animals.
He wants electricity bills and some education fees waived for people in affected areas.
Pawar said he will meet Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to present the villagers’ demands.
He also asked the state legislature to hold a special three-day session on the drought.
Sharad Pawar toured drought-affected areas of Pune district, including Baramati, Purandar, and Daund, to assess crop damage.
Pawar urged the Maharashtra government to declare excluded talukas such as Purandar drought-hit and provide a 100 per cent farm loan waiver.
He demanded a 17-point relief package covering farmers, agricultural labourers, students, livestock, drinking water, electricity, and employment.
The package includes Rs 1 lakh per hectare for farmers, Rs 25,000 for landless agricultural labourers, and 25 kg of free foodgrains per eligible family.
Pawar said he would meet Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and called for a three-day special legislative session on the drought crisis.
- Who
- Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) President Sharad Pawar, farmers, agricultural labourers, and residents of affected areas.
- What
- Pawar inspected drought-related crop damage and demanded that the government expand drought relief, including a 100 per cent farm loan waiver.
- When
- Friday; Pawar also referred to a letter sent to the Chief Minister on September 27.
- Where
- Baramati, Purandar, and Daund talukas in Pune district, including Parinche village.
- Why
- Because worsening rainfall shortages have harmed crops, livestock, and rural livelihoods, while some affected talukas remain outside the official drought declaration.
Pawar’s Demands
Current Government Position
Drought designation
Pawar’s Demands
Pawar says excluded areas such as Purandar should be formally declared drought-hit and included in the state’s assistance framework.
Current Government Position
The government has declared drought in specific areas, including 265 talukas, but the articles do not state that it has agreed to add Purandar or other excluded talukas.
Financial relief
Pawar’s Demands
Pawar is seeking a complete farm loan waiver, direct financial assistance, free foodgrains, electricity-bill relief, and other measures for affected communities.
Current Government Position
The articles do not report a government response approving or rejecting Pawar’s proposed relief package.
- Affected district
- Pune district
- Talukas visited
- Baramati, Purandar, and Daund
- Existing drought declaration
- The state government has declared drought in 265 talukas, according to Pawar’s letter.
- Loan waiver demand
- A 100 per cent waiver of agricultural and allied loans for affected farmers and other specified groups.
- Direct farmer relief demanded
- Rs 1,00,000 per hectare
- Landless labourer relief demanded
- Rs 25,000 per person
- Foodgrain demand
- 25 kg of free foodgrains per family for farm labourers and agricultural households
- Legislative demand
- A three-day special session of the Maharashtra State Legislature