A distressed Dhule farmer destroys failed crop
Nashik: State govt’s announcement of a Rs 5,000 interim drought assistance package for farmers in 305 drought-hit tehsils, to be disbursed before Diwali, has drawn sharp criticism from the farming community, with many calling the relief amount grossly inadequate and ‘an insult’ in the face of mounting losses. Now they are offering just Rs 5,000. “Rs 5,000 will not even cover pending fertilizer bills, let alone compensate for crop losses.
They argued that after spending heavily on seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, land preparation and labour, the announced assistance barely scratched the surface of their losses.
Farmers said the aid was a token gesture that failed to address the scale of devastation caused by drought, crop damage and a deepening debt crisis. Former MLA and ex-state women’s commission member Deepika Chavan slammed govt’s financial relief as a “cruel joke” on farmers’ suffering. “Farming input costs can reach Rs 1 lakh per hectare, making the assistance inadequate and insulting,” she said, challenging the CM, ministers and all MLAs to try celebrating Diwali with only Rs 5,000 before announcing such a relief. Farmers have already exhausted their resources,” Rajesh Mhaisdhune from Niphad said. Many farmers said they were struggling to survive, let alone celebrate the festive season. Govt should focus on clearing dues and providing substantial relief instead of symbolic assistance,” Manohar Borse from Satana said.
“Govt rushes to curb prices whenever commodities like onions become expensive, depriving farmers of fair returns. But when prices crash or drought destroys crops, there is no meaningful support. What difference will it make?” asked Kailash Kande, a farmer from drought-hit Nandgaon taluka. With kharif crops severely affected and water scarcity threatening the upcoming rabi season, the farmers fear complete financial collapse. The distress is compounded by mounting debts and increasing pressure from private lenders and agricultural traders. “Diwali is meant to bring joy, but farmers are burdened with debt and uncertainty.
Across drought-affected parts of Nashik district, the sentiment is clear — the crisis remains as severe as ever, and the relief announced offers little hope of recovery. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Nashik | Silver Rate in Nashik | Bank Holidays in Nashik | Public Holidays in Nashik | Petrol Price in Nashik | Diesel Price in Nashik | CNG Price in Nashik | LPG Price in Nashik Stay updated with the latest Nashik news. pending the arrival of central assistance expected later, farmers insisted the package fell far short of the actual requirement While state govt has defended the move as an immediate relief measure through direct benefit transfer. Download the TOI App.