Fadnavis Steps In After Latur Farmer Uses Wife To Replace Bullock In Field

Kashinath Gaikwad is a landless farmer from Bombli Khurd village in the Deoni taluka of Latur district. With the help of a pair of bulls, Gaikwad and his wife Hausabai cultivate land for farmers in the area. Their livelihood depends on the agricultural work they secure - ranging from tilling and ploughing to sowing and harrowing. However, tragedy struck when one of their bulls died after being hit by lightning during a storm on June 5. Lacking the financial means to purchase a replacement, he was forced to yoke his wife to the plough.

After learning about the news, Fadnavis directed the Chief Minister’s Secretariat to take action and provide immediate assistance to Gaikwad. Accordingly, the Animal Husbandry Department made efforts to procure a bull, which was then handed over to the Gaikwad family. Gaikwad’s wife Hausabai and son Pundlik expressed their satisfaction and thanked both the Chief Minister and the district administration.

Hausabai said, “We faced this unfortunate situation because one of our bulls died after being struck by lightning. However, it is heartening that our plight was acknowledged and immediate help was provided. The anxiety regarding completing the work for the upcoming Kharif season has now been resolved. We have received a good bull; we will take good care of it and ensure the work gets done properly.”

In the event of livestock death due to a natural disaster, immediate financial assistance is provided through the State Disaster Response Fund. The necessary procedures - including the official inspection (panchnama) and post-mortem - regarding Gaikwad’s deceased bull were completed promptly and financial aid has been sanctioned in accordance with the rules. This amount is being deposited directly into Gaikwad’s bank account, said state officials.

The video of Gaikwad being forced to use his wife to plough the fields after his bullock died was shared by the NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Monday. He had strongly urged the administration to provide immediate assistance and demanded a blanket, unconditional farm loan waiver

Sharing the heart-wrenching video, Pawar said that the position of ‘Annadata’ (food provider) is pathetic. He demanded an unconditional, blanket loan waiver to farmers to alleviate their distress.