Pawar Seeks Drought Declaration, Loan Waiver For Maharashtra Farmers

Mumbai: Former Union agriculture minister and NCP founder Sharad Pawar on Friday urged the Maharashtra government to declare the state drought-hit, citing deficient rainfall and the impact of El Niño. In a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Mr. Pawar sought compensation of at least Rs 50,000 per hectare for affected farmers and Rs 25,000 for each farm labourer family. He also called for an immediate farm loan waiver and fresh crop loans.

Mr. Pawar said inadequate rainfall had damaged soybean, cotton, bajra, maize, tur, moong and urad crops across the state, and warned of worsening shortages of drinking water and fodder.

Mr. Fadnavis said the government had taken the situation seriously and had discussed the drought-like conditions and possible assistance to farmers at the last Cabinet meeting.

Mr. Pawar claimed Maharashtra had received only 748 mm of rainfall between June 1 and September 15, 19 per cent below the average. He said 31 of the state’s 36 districts had recorded deficient rainfall, with some areas facing a deficit of nearly 60 per cent. The situation, he said, was particularly serious in Marathwada, Vidarbha and parts of western and northern Maharashtra. “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,” he said.

Reacting to Mr. Pawar’s letter, Mr. Fadnavis said the government had taken the situation seriously and would consider any further suggestions from the NCP founder. “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,” Mr. Fadnavis said.

The CM said the loan waiver scheme was already under way, with three lists released so far and further lists being prepared. “We will provide assistance to all eligible farmers,” he said.

Mr. Fadnavis said the state government was also preparing drought-relief measures and would seek assistance from the Centre under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). He added that the state would provide assistance from its own resources without waiting for NDRF funds, with any subsequent central assistance adjusted against the amount provided by the state.

The government, Mr. Fadnavis said, had also planned measures including direct assistance to farmers, arrangements for drinking water and, wherever necessary, provision of fodder.