Speaking at the India Today Mumbai Conclave, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde addressed the ongoing agrarian crisis and the severe drought affecting a vast majority of the state. Shinde stated that roughly 75 to 80 percent of the area is currently grappling with drought conditions and confirmed that he has raised the requirement for major central assistance directly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
Emphasizing the state administration's firm support for the agricultural community, Shinde remarked that even a single farmer suicide remains extremely unfortunate. He highlighted that during his tenure, the state government expanded disaster relief criteria under the National Disaster Management Framework from two hectares to three hectares. Additionally, the administration added a supplementary financial assistance of 6,000 rupees to the existing PM-Kisan scheme.
Responding to recent opposition criticism and various allegations concerning financial constraints, Shinde urged political figures against politicising the hardships faced by farmers dealing with natural calamities. He affirmed that the Mahayuti government remains fully dedicated to supporting all sectors across Maharashtra, including farmers, youth, women, and entrepreneurs.