Farmers protest in Maharashtra as rain deficit grips Marathwada, Vidarbha
Farmers in Washim and Beed protest over a drought-like situation in Marathwada and Vidarbha, where 83 talukas in 19 districts have seen a rain break of over 20 days.
A prolonged pause in the monsoon has pushed parts of Maharashtra's Marathwada and Vidarbha regions into a drought-like situation, prompting farmers to take to the streets demanding an official drought declaration, compensation and relief measures.
According to the State Agriculture Department, at least 83 talukas across 19 districts have recorded a rain break of more than 20 days, with some areas going without rain for over 40 days.
On Wednesday, farmers in Washim and Beed districts held protests. In Washim, the demonstrations were led by NCP(SP) leader Rohit Pawar, who said cultivators had lost their crops and were staring at heavy losses, with farm labourers affected as well. He sought compensation of ₹50,000 per hectare for farmers' families and ₹25,000 for the families of farm labourers.
The government has ordered a ground-level assessment beginning October 5 to gauge the extent of the damage and extend relief to affected farmers.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, "We will not let farmers suffer. We will help them with everything we have. I have instructed the officials concerned to prepare a framework to help those affected."
The Opposition, however, criticised the government for "wasting time" on surveys. Senior Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar said the kharif crop had fallen into crisis, with farmers facing losses in soyabean, paddy and other crops due to deficient rain.