Nagpur: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis arrived at the residence of farmer Rambhau Balpande in Lohari Sawanga village of Narkhed taluka in Nagpur district on Saturday as part of his initiative to celebrate Diwali with farmers facing agricultural difficulties.
During the visit, Fadnavis warmly interacted with Balpande and his family members, spending time with them at their home. The visit was part of the Chief Minister’s effort to connect directly with farming families and understand their circumstances at a time when agricultural distress has emerged as a major concern across several parts of Maharashtra.
Rather than limiting the occasion to official engagements, the Chief Minister chose to spend the Diwali period among farmers, sharing the festive atmosphere with a rural household.
Focus on Farmers Facing Agricultural Distress
Focus on Farmers Facing Agricultural DistressThe visit assumes significance against the backdrop of drought-like conditions and crop losses reported in several parts of Maharashtra. Inadequate rainfall, water shortages and uncertainty over agricultural production have added to the difficulties faced by farmers.
The impact of El Niño-related weather conditions and below-normal rainfall has affected crops such as cotton, soybean and tur in various regions. Farmers are also concerned about irrigation facilities, crop insurance, water availability and the prospects of upcoming Rabi and summer crops.
Fadnavis is expected to use his stay in Lohari Sawanga to interact with local farmers and understand their concerns, including issues related to agriculture, irrigation and rural infrastructure.
Chief Minister to Spend the Night in the Village
As part of the programme, the Chief Minister is scheduled to stay overnight at farmer Rambhau Balpande’s residence. A community prayer and an interaction programme with farmers have also been planned.
On Sunday morning, November 8, Fadnavis is scheduled to meet elected representatives from Narkhed taluka to discuss local development and agricultural issues.
He is also scheduled to perform the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the Khari irrigation project and inspect farm access roads (Pandhan roads) and agricultural fields.
Following his programme in Lohari Sawanga, the Chief Minister is expected to travel to Kohli village in Kalmeshwar taluka to inspect crops and review the agricultural situation before returning to Nagpur.
Rs 5,000 Financial Assistance for Farmers
The state government’s relief measures have also formed part of the broader response to the prevailing agricultural difficulties.
The Chief Minister had announced financial assistance of Rs 5,000 per eligible farmer ahead of Diwali to provide immediate support to families affected by drought-like conditions.
According to a UNI report, by November 7, Rs 152.63 crore had been credited to 3,05,274 approved farmer accounts in Nagpur district. The disbursement process was still underway, with additional beneficiaries expected after verification and approval.
Appeal to Ministers to Celebrate Diwali with Farmers
Fadnavis had earlier appealed to ministers and public representatives in Maharashtra to spend at least one day during the Diwali festival in a village with farmers.
The idea behind the initiative was to ensure that farming families dealing with difficult circumstances are not left out of the festive celebrations. He also called upon social organisations, voluntary groups and citizens to extend support to farmers.
The Chief Minister’s visit to Lohari Sawanga is part of this outreach initiative, bringing the state’s leadership directly to a farming household and providing an opportunity for interaction with the rural community.
The focus of the two-day visit is expected to extend beyond festive celebrations, with discussions and field inspections aimed at understanding the agricultural challenges confronting farmers in the region.
