Maharashtra Farmer Battles Heavy Rains to Save Crops; Agriculture Minister Shivraj Chouhan Offers Aid
Published at 9:29 IST on 20 May 2025
A farmer named Gaurav Panwar from Maharashtra is facing the devastating impact of unseasonal rains on his peanut crop. A video showing Panwar's struggle to save his crops during a heavy downpour at a market in Washim district has been widely shared on social media, serving as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by farmers due to such weather conditions.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed empathy and solidarity towards Panwar's situation on social media. The minister, who is also a farmer himself, stated that both the central and Maharashtra governments are committed to farmer welfare.
In response to the video, Minister Chouhan personally called Panwar to console him and assured compensation for the losses. The Maharashtra government has been informed about Panwar's situation, and they are trying to resolve his issue by Monday.
The Maharashtra government will compensate Panwar for his losses, as the minister understands the pain of losing a crop. This move by the government emphasises its sensitivity towards the issues faced by farmers.
Unseasonal rain is becoming a serious threat to agriculture, with crops getting damaged and livelihoods at risk. The central government has approved assistance for farmers impacted by unseasonal rain in 13 districts, including Maharashtra.
The video of Panwar's distress and the minister's call have deeply disturbed Minister Chouhan. He stated that it is heart-wrenching to see farmers going through such hardships. The minister also reiterated that the governments are working tirelessly to support farmers and mitigate the effects of unseasonal rain.
As the situation unfolds, the public's support for Panwar and other farmers affected by unseasonal rain continues to grow. The incident serves as a call to action for the government and society to address the challenges faced by farmers and ensure their welfare.
