NCP-SP Leader Rohit Pawar Demands ₹1 Lakh Per Hectare For Drought-Hit Farmers, Warns Of Protest During Winter Session

Latur District, November 7: NCP leader and MLA Rohit Pawar has accused the state government of neglecting drought-affected farmers and agricultural laborers, demanding significant financial aid and warning of a protest during the upcoming winter session of the state legislature. The existing drought relief offered by the government is inadequate, according to Rohit Pawar.

He noted that the proposed assistance, which amounts to Rs 8,000 to Rs 8,500 per hectare for farmers, is far below the Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000 per hectare that farmers demand. Rohit Pawar questioned why the state government could not provide this amount from its own resources, given the severity of the agrarian crisis. He emphasized that farmers are not the only ones facing financial distress; agricultural laborers are also struggling.

Rohit Pawar expressed concern over alleged harassment of borrowers by microfinance recovery agents who use physical violence, threats, and intimidation to recover loans. He questioned the government's actions against these companies. Farmers in villages like Shivani Lakh are complaining about the shortage of drinking water for themselves and their cattle, and Pawar criticized the government's arrangements for providing fodder and water to livestock.

He also raised concerns about the delayed disbursement of the Rs 5,000 immediate assistance announced for farmers, noting that only around 40% of farmers have received the amount, while 60% to 65% are still awaiting it. The amount is inadequate considering the scale of losses suffered by farmers, Rohit Pawar stated.