Marathwada Crop Losses Estimated At ₹35,000 Crore, Maharashtra Losses At ₹80,000 Crore; Rohit Pawar Seeks Drought Declaration

Pune: NCP MLA Rohit Pawar has urged the Maharashtra government to declare drought in Marathwada, citing crop losses estimated at nearly ₹35,000 crore in the region and potentially around ₹80,000 crore across the state. During a press conference in Pune, Pawar, who toured drought-affected areas in Marathwada over the last two days, highlighted the urgent need for assistance.

He shared district-wise estimates of crop losses on social media platform X, noting that major crops impacted include soybean, cotton, tur, and maize. Pawar expressed concerns over the adequacy of the proposed government aid of ₹8,500 per acre, warning that farmers may struggle to cover the remaining expenses. He called for a comprehensive relief package, including ₹50,000 for farmers and ₹25,000 for agricultural laborers, along with support for fodder camps, drinking water, fruit orchards, fee waivers for students, and aid for other affected groups.

Pawar stressed the necessity of central assistance and advocated for an all-party delegation to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also pointed out that the government should consider rainfall data and current conditions when declaring drought, rather than waiting for the situation to worsen.