Mumbai, Jan 26 (NationPress) The Maharashtra NCP(SP) president, Jayant Patil, has highlighted numerous accomplishments of Sharad Pawar during his period as the Union Agriculture Minister. He emphasized that Pawar transformed India from a nation dependent on imports to one that exports agricultural products, ensured excellent guaranteed prices for crops, provided subsidies for orchards, and initiated a horticulture program that significantly benefited farmers.

In reaction to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s criticism of Pawar, Patil stated, "No individual has contributed as much as Sharad Pawar did as Agriculture Minister in India's history. Those questioning his contributions would not have done so if they had comprehended his efforts."

Amit Shah, during two events in Malegaon and Mumbai on Friday, criticized Pawar, suggesting that mere marketing does not qualify one as a leader and questioned the absence of a dedicated cooperation department during Pawar's decade-long tenure. He also inquired about Pawar's contributions to Maharashtra's cooperation movement, particularly regarding sugar mills and farmers.

Patil asserted, “Under Sharad Pawar’s leadership as Agriculture Minister, food grain production surged by 60 million tons. India transitioned from being a food grain importer to an exporter, achieving nearly 260 million tons of production during Pawar's term. In 2013, India celebrated its first production of 100 million tons of rice. The global community praised this accomplishment. Pawar initiated the National Horticulture Mission, investing Rs 8,000 crore, which resulted in 60 lakh hectares being irrigated.” He noted that India earned Rs 14,000 crore in foreign currency through agricultural exports while producing 147 million tons of vegetables across 80 lakh hectares.

The NCP(SP) leader continued, “If Amit Shah travels across the nation, farmers will express gratitude to Pawar Saheb for his assistance in resolving their 7/12 extract issues alongside Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Furthermore, he provided farmers with a special financial package. The Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) was introduced and stringently enforced. I could share numerous such instances.”

He further remarked, “Amit Shah should refrain from visiting Maharashtra repeatedly and questioning Pawar Saheb’s contributions. The people of Maharashtra hold immense trust in Pawar Saheb, and their faith will not wane due to such criticisms.”

Patil reminded the Union Home Minister that during Sharad Pawar’s tenure, a farm loan waiver scheme worth Rs 70,000 crore was executed. During times of drought, Rs 2,200 crore was allocated to Maharashtra, alongside support for sugarcane and grape growers to enhance their production and income.