Pune: State agriculture minister Dattatray Bharne on Wednesday said Maharashtra govt would provide bigger aid to farmers to fight drought than that in Karnataka.“Without waiting for the Centre’s help, state govt is working out a plan to provide aid to farmers in distress. Maharashtra’s farmers will definitely get a bigger package than their counterparts in Karnataka,” state agriculture minister said, amid Maharashtra govt’s criticism for not declaring drought like Karnataka govt.Senior ministers, including chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, started field visits to meet farmers and review their losses before the official declaration of drought. Bharne visited Daund, Indapur, Baramati and Purandar tehsils of Pune district on Wednesday to review the farm crisis.“The situation of farmers is extremely challenging. They draw their yearly plans based on the crop harvest, but all their dreams have been shattered due to withered crops. Our govt stands by the farmers during this tough phase. The aid will start after the first notification is issued by Saturday,” Bharne said, after reviewing the situation.State agriculture minister also said the Mahayuti govt would not wait for the central govt’s package for drought relief. “It is a natural disaster and chief minister has written to the Centre. Before the relief through NDRF comes to the state, our govt has decided to provide assistance to farmers through various existing schemes,” Bharne said.
