‘Approach me even if I am not in mood to talk’: Ajit Pawar to farmers

He was speaking at a convention of grape producers in the Wakad area of Pimpri-Chinchwad, organised by the Maharashtra State Draksha Bagaitdar Sangh.

Addressing the gathering, Ajit Pawar also advised to “adopt a soft approach” with people occupying higher posts to get the work done.

“If we want to get our work done from people occupying high posts, we need to adopt a soft approach. This is because we are not doing it for ourselves. We are doing it for farmers,” he said.

Stating that the central government was trying to come up with a plan to deal with the situation arising out of the US tariff on Indian products, Pawar added, “At the same, the state government will take up all the issues related to grape producers with the central government and ensure that they are resolved.”

Responding to the demand from the grape producers that a separate law should be made to stop instances of farmers being duped, Ajit Pawar said, ”We will take up the issue with the State Home Ministry to ensure that the farming community is not taking for a ride. The government is positive about the demands raised by the grape producers.”

Speaking on the occasion, Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne said, “I am a grape farmer first, then an agriculture minister. I am aware of the problems faced by farmers. We will take all steps to resolve the grievances of farmers. The agriculture department will make efforts to market the farm produce.”