📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare
Agriculture
Sharad Pawar submits 17-point drought relief demands to Maharashtra CM Fadnavis
✍️ Mid-Day
🗓 28 Sep 2026, 11:02 AM
👁 15
NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar handed a 17‑point list to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, urging immediate action to mitigate the severe drought in Maharashtra.
Maharashtra's ongoing drought prompted NCP (SP) leader Sharad Pawar to present a detailed 17‑point memorandum to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The document outlines specific measures aimed at water conservation, agricultural support, and relief for affected farmers.
Pawar emphasized the urgency of augmenting irrigation infrastructure, expediting the release of drought‑relief funds, and ensuring timely distribution of seeds and fertilizers. He also called for a coordinated response involving state agencies and local bodies to prevent further agrarian distress.
The submission comes amid reports of declining rainfall and mounting water scarcity across several districts. State officials have acknowledged the crisis, and the CM's office is expected to review the demands before announcing any policy actions.
Stakeholders, including farmer unions, have welcomed the initiative, noting that a clear roadmap could help mitigate crop losses and stabilize rural livelihoods.
The meeting between Pawar and Fadnavis was brief but highlighted the political pressure on the government to address the drought before the upcoming monsoon season.
Pawar emphasized the urgency of augmenting irrigation infrastructure, expediting the release of drought‑relief funds, and ensuring timely distribution of seeds and fertilizers. He also called for a coordinated response involving state agencies and local bodies to prevent further agrarian distress.
The submission comes amid reports of declining rainfall and mounting water scarcity across several districts. State officials have acknowledged the crisis, and the CM's office is expected to review the demands before announcing any policy actions.
Stakeholders, including farmer unions, have welcomed the initiative, noting that a clear roadmap could help mitigate crop losses and stabilize rural livelihoods.
The meeting between Pawar and Fadnavis was brief but highlighted the political pressure on the government to address the drought before the upcoming monsoon season.