Nagpur: Minister of state for finance and agriculture Ashish Jaiswal on Tuesday defended the Maharashtra govt’s farmer-aid record even as NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar demanded an immediate drought declaration, accusing the govt of leaving lakhs of farmers without promised compensation.Jaiswal said govt has never abandoned farmers, who faced back-to-back crises. “Last year too, when there was excessive rainfall, we deposited nearly Rs21,000 crore directly into farmers’ bank accounts. This year too, govt has helped farmers through the loan waiver. Now, with the scanty rainfall creating a crisis, we are closely watching the situation in every district,” said Jaiswal.He admitted that many districts received less rainfall during the monsoon, and farmers suffered losses. “We have kept financial provisions ready under the SDRF and NDRF norms, and even beyond that. We never left farmers to fend for themselves. The Mahayuti govt’s aid to farmers is a record in Maharashtra’s history. The govt does face financial constraints, but we never cite difficulties when it comes to farmers. We simply help them,” he said.He added that the cabinet reviews the state’s rainfall and crop situation every week and would take an appropriate call once full damage assessment figures were in.Pawar, however, said the drought was being met with political indifference. “Drought has become a very serious issue for Maharashtra. In Vidarbha, rainfall is down by 35 to 40%, in Marathwada by 55%, and in western Maharashtra by 30 to 35%. Maharashtra is facing drought, while those in power are busy with politics. Govt should declare drought at the earliest,” said Pawar.The MLA said farmers must be given Rs50,000 per hectare in compensation, while landless labourers dependent on farming must get Rs25,000 per family, and rural students studying in cities should get fee concessions.Pawar also said govt’s loan waiver scheme remains incomplete. “The loan waiver they announced was either half-done or a deception. So far, only 12 lakh farmers have received their money, while Rs25,000 crore meant for the remaining 43 lakh farmers is still pending. We also demand that the four insurance triggers that were withdrawn be restored, and farmers get crop insurance back at Re1,” he said.
