State revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule and water resources minister Girish Mahajan during visit to drought-hit villages in Jalgaon district to assess the crop losses due to prolonged dry spell of rains
He directed cooperative, nationalised and private banks not to make recovery calls to farmers facing financial stress due to poor rainfall and crop damage.
After reviewing the ground situation during a visit to a village in Erandol taluka, Bawankule said at a district-level review meeting later that the administration must remain proactive in addressing farmers’ problems and ensure timely delivery of govt assistance with respect to issues related to crop losses, drinking water, fodder availability and access to welfare schemes. Assuring farmers of govt support, he said farmers need not panic as the state govt firmly stands behind them during the crisis. Expressing concern over the slow pace of fresh crop loan disbursement, Bawankule said meetings would be held with bank officials to accelerate lending to farmers.
The minister inspected cotton and maize crops at the farm of farmer Madhukar Patil and interacted with cultivators to understand the impact of deficient rainfall on agriculture. On complaints of illegal moneylending, the minister instructed police authorities to initiate action and prevent the financial exploitation of farmers. He also directed MSEDCL and police to coordinate efforts to curb theft of electricity cables for uninterrupted power supply in rural areas. Water resources minister Girish Mahajan, who accompanied Bawankule during the visit, stressed the need for proper drinking water management and regular power supply to farmers. He also urged farmers to cultivate fodder crops and asked concerned departments to prepare for any further escalation in drought conditions.
Nashik: State revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Sunday directed police to take strict action against illegal moneylenders following complaints from farmers in Erandol, Yawal and Raver talukas of Jalgaon district.