Sharad Pawar begins drought tour from Baramati, to meet farmers in four districts

Lack of rain in the state has caused heavy damage to farming. In many areas, drinking water and fodder for cattle have become serious problems. In view of this, senior leader and Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) president Sharad Pawar has begun a tour to assess drought-hit areas.

The tour began from Baramati. Over the next three days, Pawar will visit Solapur, Dharashiv, Beed and Ahilyanagar districts to see conditions there.

The impact of the drought is no longer limited to farming. Crop yields have fallen, there is a water shortage, arranging fodder for cattle has become difficult, and the financial burden on farmers is growing. Rural areas are having to cope with all these troubles together. Pawar will therefore stress going to the edge of farmers' fields to understand their difficulties directly.

Earlier, Pawar had already seen the drought situation in Baramati, Purandar and Daund talukas. Farmers then raised the issues of crop losses, shortage of drinking water, fodder for cattle and financial assistance. The hope was also expressed that the government would act at once, given the severity of the drought.

Pawar has made several demands of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis earlier to bring relief to drought-hit farmers. He had demanded assistance of Rs 1 lakh per hectare for affected farmers, a loan waiver, and a special session of the legislature on the drought.

During the tour of the four districts, Pawar will speak to farmers, villagers and local office-bearers. The aim is to learn how severe the drought is and what is most needed at the local level. Pawar is expected to compile the problems and farmers' demands that emerge during the tour and meet Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, according to information available.

Farmers are now waiting to see when real help will reach the drought-hit areas, how water and fodder will be arranged, and what decision the government will take on compensating the losses.