Maharashtra Farmers Demand ₹50,000/hectare Relief as Pawar Cites El Niño-Induced Drought
· India · Hindustan Times, The Hindu
Former Union Minister Sharad Pawar has urged Maharashtra’s government to declare a drought in 31 of the state’s 36 districts, citing El Niño-induced deficient rainfall and crop damage to soybean, cotton, bajra, maize, and pulses. In a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Pawar demanded ₹50,000 per hectare for farmers and ₹25,000 for every farm labour family, alongside immediate loan waivers, fresh crop loans, and ₹17,000/hectare compensation for last year’s unseasonal rain losses. He also called for increased incentives for loan-repaying farmers, retrospective implementation of the ₹1 premium crop insurance scheme, and special employment schemes under MGNREGA for drought-affected areas. Pawar warned of worsening drinking water and fodder shortages, urging tanker arrangements for orchards and veterinary services for livestock. A crop damage assessment is scheduled for October 5, but Pawar argued the government should act before formal criteria are met.
Why it matters
Maharashtra’s farmers and rural labourers face severe financial strain due to crop losses and mounting debt, with the state’s economy vulnerable to further deterioration if relief measures are delayed. The demand for immediate aid could pressure the government to revise its drought response strategy, potentially setting a precedent for other states facing climate-induced agricultural crises.
Read the original report — Hindustan Times
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