The Chief Minister stayed with a local family in Lohari Sawanga village to discuss agricultural issues during the drought.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis spent Diwali with farmers in Lohari Sawanga village in Nagpur district on Saturday night, according to ANI and Hindustan Times. The Chief Minister stayed at the residence of local farmers Arunabai Balpande and Rambhau Balpande to learn about their difficulties firsthand.
The visit occurred as the state faces a drought crisis caused by poor rainfall and weather conditions like El Niño. Fadnavis noted that crops such as cotton, soybean, and tur have been affected, leading to shortages of fodder and drinking water in some areas.
During his visit, Fadnavis stated that the government would allow the digging of borewells where possible to help with farming. He also mentioned plans to build a large processing facility for oranges and sweet limes through the MIHAN project in Nagpur to address export challenges.
The Chief Minister said the government has deposited Rs 5,000 into the bank accounts of approximately 1.5 crore farmers to assist with the festival. He added that the process of transferring these funds is still ongoing.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the gesture, stating that the Chief Minister's decision to stay with the Balpande family reflects the compassion of the NDA government toward farmer welfare.
