Rs 5,000 advance not final aid, full help after panchnamas: Shambhuraj Desai tells Satara farmers

Satara Guardian Minister Shambhuraj Desai spent Diwali this year on the field bund of farmers at Pimpri village in Man taluka. Diwali is a festival of joy and enthusiasm, but for farmers hit by the fury of nature, this year's celebration has been somewhat dimmed. Desai went to be among them, to share their grief and bring a smile to their faces.

Speaking of the Rs 5,000 advance aid being given to farmers, Desai said the amount was being given so that the farmers' Diwali would be sweet and they would get some relief during the festival days. He made it clear that this was not the final aid. Once the panchnamas of the damage are complete, their report will be received, and after that farmers will be given full assistance as per government rules.

The scene at Pimpri village was different today. There was no formal stage and no pomp of felicitation. The guardian minister sat with the farmers on a blanket spread on the soil of the field. Village farmers were with him, Diwali snacks were in front of them and the conversation was candid. The programme was held to share the joy of Diwali with farmers of the drought-hit area.

Desai spoke to the farmers and learnt of their difficulties. He assured them that however big the crisis, they must not break down or lose heart. He said he too had celebrated Diwali simply this year, and that standing with farmers in times of crisis is true kinship.

Desai said the government stands firmly with the farmers. He said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar are with the farmers. He appealed to them not to give in to the crisis brought by nature and to stand up again with fresh hope.

The programme was held in the spirit that the darkness in farmers' lives should lift, lamps of joy should light their homes again, their hard work should find relief and they should find new strength to fight the crisis. For the farmers it was not merely a festival event but an assurance that they are not alone in distress and that someone stands with them.

Resident Deputy Collector Nagesh Patil and Shekhar Gore, along with villagers and farmers of Pimpri, were present in large numbers.