Fadnavis Tours Drought-Hit Districts, Assures Farmers Of Relief

Mr. Fadnavis began his tour in Latur, where farmers have reported significant crop losses after rainfall remained at around 50 per cent of the expected level. He visited Jau and Kharosa villages, where farmers apprised him of the worsening situation.

At Jau, a farmer broke down while telling the Chief Minister that there was no water for the crops. Mr. Fadnavis consoled him and assured farmers that the State government would provide assistance in view of the widespread damage.

Mr. Fadnavis said the government was assessing the situation and would soon issue a drought notification. He said efforts were being made to provide assistance directly to affected farmers through their bank accounts.

He said the situation in Latur could prove more severe than the drought witnessed in 1972 and warned of a water crisis in Latur and Dharashiv in the coming days, with both districts having received only about 50 per cent of the expected rainfall.

“I have decided to provide assistance to the farmers. Drinking water will also be made available,” he told reporters.

Explaining the plight of the farmer who had broken down during his interaction with him, Mr. Fadnavis said the farmer had initially had a good crop but was unable to irrigate it because of the lack of rainfall, resulting in crop damage. “His pain is genuine, as the crop is like a child for a farmer. If the crop is damaged, it is a big pain for the farmer,” he said.

In Solapur, Mr. Fadnavis reviewed crop damage, particularly to soybean, which has been severely affected by prolonged gaps in rainfall.

“The situation is very grave in Solapur. Therefore, we are standing with the farmers. Although we are conducting crop-loss assessments, the situation is one of widespread crop damage. We will provide assistance without discrimination based on the scale of the damage,” he said.

He said the government would extend assistance to farmers to enable them to undertake cultivation during the Rabi season.

During his visit to Dhanore village in Barshi taluka, a young farmer highlighted the wider social impact of the drought. He told the Chief Minister that prolonged rainfall deficits and severe water shortages were affecting rural families beyond agriculture, including their ability to arrange marriages.

The farmer said financial hardship and water scarcity were affecting the prospects of young men from farming families. He also said the deteriorating water situation was damaging the image of villages and leading to marriage proposals being rejected.

Mr. Fadnavis said agricultural electricity bills amounting to around Rs 48,000 crore had already been waived and that farmers would not be required to pay electricity bills. He also reiterated that the State would continue implementing the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Debt Relief Scheme until all eligible farmers received its benefits.

The Chief Minister assured farmers that arrangements would be made for drinking water and cattle fodder. Issues relating to foodgrain supplies and children's education would also be addressed, he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited areas affected by drought-like conditions in Akola district. He toured Dhadham and Vyala villages in Balapur tehsil and interacted with farmers.

Mr. Shinde said farmers were facing difficulties because of inadequate rainfall and prolonged dry spells. He assured them that the State government would provide the necessary support and would not leave affected farmers without assistance.