CM Fadnavis spends Diwali night at farmer's home in Nagpur village, promises borewells in drought areas

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis celebrated Diwali by staying overnight at a farmer's home in Lohari Savanga village in Nagpur district. He stayed at the house of local farmer Rambhau Balpande and spoke to him about the crisis farmers face and how it can be overcome.

Fadnavis assured farmers that, in view of the drought, permission will be given to dig borewells wherever possible. He was speaking while reassuring anxious farmers. The Chief Minister said he stood by drought-hit farmers and had come to the village specifically to meet them in such a situation. He also discussed which crops are grown in the fields and how much loss the drought has caused.

He said climate change had led to heavy rain in some districts, after which there was no rain at all, and that the continuing absence of rain has damaged standing crops. He added that farmers are being firmly supported and given help in both situations.

Oranges and sweet lime are grown in large quantities in the Katol and Narkhed areas. However, farmers are suffering losses because of restrictions imposed by Bangladesh. Fadnavis said a large project is being started at MIHAN, which will give farmers the opportunity to process these fruits. He added that care is being taken to ensure farmers do not land in difficulty.

There was also a discussion with farmers on what can be done to save the rabi crop. The Chief Minister said a scheme for fencing farms to protect them is being implemented and appealed to farmers to take advantage of it.

The Chief Minister enquired about the Balpande family. He also assured them that definite help would be given for the loss suffered in their field.

Rambhau Balpande expressed his feelings. He said: "The Chief Minister came to our home to share in the sorrow of farmers and comfort them, stayed the night and even ate chutney and bhakri at our house. We felt proud of this." Balpande also said the reassurance given by the Chief Minister gave them the courage to overcome the crisis.