Nagpur: Ashish Jaiswal, the Minister of State for Finance and Agriculture, defended the Maharashtra government’s record on farmer aid on Tuesday. This statement comes as NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar called for an immediate declaration of drought, highlighting the plight of countless farmers who have yet to receive promised compensation. Pawar’s accusations underscore growing concerns about the government’s response to the agricultural crisis affecting the region.
“Last year too, when there was excessive rainfall, we deposited nearly Rs21,000 crore directly into farmers’ bank accounts.
Jaiswal said govt has never abandoned farmers, who faced back-to-back crises. Now, with the scanty rainfall creating a crisis, we are closely watching the situation in every district,” said Jaiswal. We simply help them,” he said.
This year too, govt has helped farmers through the loan waiver. He admitted that many districts received less rainfall during the monsoon, and farmers suffered losses. “We have kept financial provisions ready under the SDRF and NDRF norms, and even beyond that. We never left farmers to fend for themselves. The Mahayuti govt’s aid to farmers is a record in Maharashtra’s history. The govt does face financial constraints, but we never cite difficulties when it comes to farmers. He added that the cabinet reviews the state’s rainfall and crop situation every week and would take an appropriate call once full damage assessment figures were in.
In Vidarbha, rainfall is down by 35 to 40%, in Marathwada by 55%, and in western Maharashtra by 30 to 35%. The MLA said farmers must be given Rs50,000 per hectare in compensation, while landless labourers dependent on farming must get Rs25,000 per family, and rural students studying in cities should get fee concessions. So far, only 12 lakh farmers have received their money, while Rs25,000 crore meant for the remaining 43 lakh farmers is still pending.
“The loan waiver they announced was either half-done or a deception.
Pawar, however, said the drought was being met with political indifference. Govt should declare drought at the earliest,” said Pawar. Pawar also said govt’s loan waiver scheme remains incomplete. We also demand that the four insurance triggers that were withdrawn be restored, and farmers get crop insurance back at Re1,” he said.
“Drought has become a very serious issue for Maharashtra. Maharashtra is facing drought, while those in power are busy with politics.