The sky has turned its back, crops have withered and the farmer is caught in a cycle of crisis. However severe the drought, farmers should not lose heart. Firm leadership, as steady as the Sahyadris, and a sensitive government stand firmly behind them. “Even if a natural calamity surrounds you, do not give up and take an extreme step like suicide. This is your government. Along with direct government aid, we will get you the maximum crop insurance compensation and help every farmer stand on their feet again,” Guardian Minister and Public Works Minister Shivendraraje Bhosale told farmers at their field bunds.
Under the sensitive and quick-moving leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the administration in drought-hit areas has reached the fields without getting bogged down in paperwork. The government has made it clear that not a single farmer will be left to fend for themselves.
Chief Minister Fadnavis’s Concern for Farmers Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who feels the farmers’ pain, is keeping a close watch on the drought across the state. He has personally visited drought-hit areas in Latur, Marathwada and Vidarbha, seen farmers’ tears and heard their troubles. That is why he took the bold step of declaring drought without delay and announcing relief and concessions.
“The government will not let funds fall short for farmers, however big the crisis,” Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said. To keep that promise, ministers and public representatives went to the fields today. Following his instructions, the inspection tour has begun in every corner of Latur.
Direct Talks With Elderly Farmers and Women Guardian Minister Shivendraraje Bhosale, in the presence of Cooperation Minister Babasaheb Patil, inspected crop damage at Mahadevwadi in Ahmadpur taluka and Ashta Mod in Chakur taluka. Earlier, in the presence of MLA Sanjay Bansode, he reviewed soybean losses at Shekapur in Udgir taluka. He did not simply inspect the fields. He placed a hand on the shoulders of elderly farmers and working women, heard their troubles and reassured them. He then went to Belsangvi in Jalkot taluka, where he checked the burnt tur and soybean crops and gave farmers a word of comfort.
At Kolpa and Maharana Pratapnagar in Latur taluka as well, he went straight to the fields and had a heartfelt conversation with farmers who had suffered losses.
“No Farmer Will Be Left Out; Orders to Speed Up Panchnamas” The Guardian Minister said a Central team is touring the state to assess the drought, and inspections have been completed at several places in Marathwada. The team will hold a high-level meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. After that, the Centre and the state government will soon announce a substantial package.
The revenue and agriculture departments have been ordered to complete panchnamas quickly and transparently.
The administration has been strictly warned that no farmer should be denied aid because of technical errors.
Quick Action on Water, Fodder and Student Fee Waiver Anticipating the possible intensity of the drought, long-term planning has been started on the instructions of Chief Minister Fadnavis:
Water scarcity: Borewells and old wells are being repaired to quickly set up alternative water sources.
Fodder camps and availability: The animal husbandry department is planning carefully so that cattle do not face a fodder shortage.
Relief for students: As part of drought concessions, the Zilla Parishad chief executive officer has been directed to waive examination fees for school and college students.
Large Participation of Administration and Public Representatives Sub-divisional officers Rohini Narhe-Virole of Latur, Sushant Shinde of Udgir and Manjusha Latpate of Ahmadpur presented detailed factual reports on the losses.
The tour was attended in large numbers by Zilla Parishad president Usha Patil, vice-president Dayanand Suravase, Construction and Health Committee chairman Dnyaneshwar Biradar, Ahmadpur Panchayat Samiti chairman Suraj Patil, Latur Panchayat Samiti chairman Shrikant Baile, ZP members Ramchandra Tiruke, Prof. Dilip Matke, Mukesh Bhalerao, Prafullachandra Gundre, Bhanudas Pote and Ashwin Nagarale, Chakur Panchayat Samiti deputy chairman Bhujang Shinde, Jalkot deputy municipal council president Manmathappa Kide, former MLA Babruvan Khandare, Ganesh Hake, Ajit Patil Kavhekar and Hrishikesh Karad, along with all key officers and a large number of farmers.