On average, Maharashtra sees eight farmer suicides per day: Pawar

Pawar was speaking on a resolution brought by the Opposition in the Assembly on the condition of agriculture in the state. He said that in a welfare state, the government must give preference to agriculture sector. “But this government seems busy in transfers, promotions and recruitment,” said Pawar, adding that farmers are being denied loans by nationalised banks and they are forced to approach private money lenders for the same.

The LoP pointed out that Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, when in opposition, was against disconnecting power supply to agricultural pumps.

“But now, despite him being in power, we are witnessing that power connection is being cut. The government should have taken a policy decision on the pending bills of farmers. At the same time, inflation is hitting farmers hard, with manifold increase in production cost of agriculture. Lack of proper price for farm produce is destroying agriculture,” he said.