Mumbai: Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) president Sharad Pawar has urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to declare drought in talukas facing low rainfall. He also appealed for financial assistance of at least ₹50,000 per hectare for affected farmers.

Sharad Pawar mentioned the situation caused by deficient rainfall in the state in a letter written to the Chief Minister on Wednesday. He claimed that standing crops such as soybean, cotton and pulses have been affected due to deficient rainfall in 31 of Maharashtra's 36 districts.

Claim of Reduction in Sowing Area

According to Pawar, deficient rainfall has also affected the sowing of kharif crops, and the area under cultivation has decreased significantly in several regions. He said that due to the shortage of rainfall, the problems of drinking water and fodder are also becoming serious in rural areas.

Demand for Financial Assistance to Farmers

Sharad Pawar urged the Chief Minister to immediately assess the affected areas and declare drought in talukas that have received deficient rainfall. He also appealed for financial assistance of at least ₹50,000 per hectare to farmers so that those affected by crop losses can receive relief.

Farmers and political parties are now watching what steps the state government takes on this demand.