Pawar interacted with farmers of Purandar tehsil and accused Maharashtra government of not helping farmers who incurred losses due to heavy rainfall
On Monday, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) President Sharad Pawar said the Maharashtra government has failed to take steps to help farmers who have been suffering from heavy losses due to rains in many parts of the state.
The former Union agricultural minister spoke with farmers in his hometown of Pune, to learn about their complaints and the losses they had endured as a result of the severe rains.
Mr. Pawar interacted with farmers of Purandar tehsil. He accused the state government of not being ready to take any necessary measures for farmers who incurred losses due to heavy rainfall.
In October, Pune saw abnormally heavy rainfall.
Pawar expressed sympathy for the farmers
The NCP leader expressed sympathy for the farmers throughout the conversation and assured them that he understood their suffering and would work to find solutions.
“Because of the excessive rains, farmers have suffered losses. To help people out of this dilemma, the government should take some decisive action. The current administration is not prepared to implement these kinds of actions, though. Although the situation on the ground has been informed to the Center, no firm decision has been made “explained Pawar.
Further, he added that the Maharashtra government had just declared a full waiver for farmers who had borrowed money from Bhuvikas Bank, but he wanted to know how many farmers had actually used the lender’s credit.
Pawar questioned the state govt. about Bhuvikas Bank
A debt of 964 crore rupees from Bhuvikas Bank has been waived, among other steps made by the Maharashtra Government to strengthen the agricultural industry.
“The State Government has repaid all of the debt owed by farmers who had borrowed money from Bhuvikas Bank. Tell me if anyone here [talking to the farmers present at the conversation] has gotten a loan from Bhuvikas Bank in the last 10 years. Do you even recognize the existence of Bhuvikas Bank?” Pawar said.
“The bank used to be there, but for the previous 25 to 30 years, its loans had been in default. Nobody pursues loan recovery. They have therefore forgiven the debts after realizing they cannot be repaid, “he explained.
The NCP leader added that if assistance is needed for farmers who are in need, rules must be set aside and those in positions of authority should give priority to farmers whose crops were ruined by intense rain.
“Although the groundwater levels have increased as a result of the recent heavy rain and will continue to do so for the next two years, the State Government should nonetheless compensate for the current losses. We will work toward that goal and, if necessary, agitate,” added Pawar.
