No need for special session on drought, says Maharashtra farm minister

A long gap in rainfall has put Maharashtra's kharif season in crisis. Several areas of Marathwada and western Vidarbha have suffered major crop losses, leading to drought-like conditions. Opposition parties have been demanding that the state government call a special session to ensure farmers get help. Agriculture minister Dattatray Bharne has now made the government's position clear.

A meeting was held in Akola to review the situation in the Amravati division. Officials had earlier reviewed conditions in 76 talukas of Marathwada, and the crop situation in 56 talukas of the Amravati division was also discussed. Bharne said the government is examining what kind of help can be extended through the NDRF, crop insurance and other schemes.

Acknowledging drought-like conditions in the state, Bharne said, "Farmers have suffered huge losses. Because of the lack of rain, the harvest that was almost within reach has been snatched away by nature. The government is reviewing the situation through different departments, and information is being gathered to help the farmers who have suffered losses."

Asked about the demand for a special session, Bharne said, "There is no need to call a session. We are all one, after all. In the end, we only have to help the farmers, so what is the need for a session for that."

During the same review meeting in Akola, some officials were seen busy with their mobile phones and social media. Without dwelling on the issue, Bharne said attention should be on the farmers' situation. He said, "If some hopeless person is on his phone, playing games, don't pay attention to that, and neither should you. Right now it is more important to support and help the farmers."

Describing how serious the farmers' difficulties are, Bharne said, "Farmers had cherished many dreams, and all those dreams have been shattered. Farmers cannot sleep properly."

The government will take further decisions once the full assessment of the drought-like conditions is complete. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also indicated that a large-scale assessment of the drought-like conditions is being started. All eyes are now on what help the government finally announces for the farmers who have suffered losses.