Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar on Wednesday, 11 November visited drought-affected farmer families in Sonkarvasti, Murti village of Baramati taluka, Pune, on the occasion of Bhaubeej, assuring them that the state government stands firmly behind farmers during the ongoing drought crisis. She urged farmers not to lose hope, pledging both immediate relief and long-term water and fodder planning for the region.

Key Assurances to Drought-Hit Farmers

During her interaction with farmer families at Sonkarvasti, Pawar reviewed the availability of drinking water, agricultural water, and livestock fodder. She noted that tankers are currently supplying drinking water three times a day in the area. Water from the Purandar Lift Irrigation Scheme has been released and is expected to reach targeted locations within hours, she announced.

To guard against future fodder shortages, the government is distributing free fodder seeds to farmers. Pawar personally handed over fodder seeds to Sahebrao Galande and Janabai Sonwalkar, urging all farmers to cultivate fodder crops across maximum land area while supplies remain available.

Bhaubeej Celebrations and Community Outreach

Against the backdrop of the drought, the visit was notably personal in tone. Pawar celebrated Bhaubeej by sharing traditional Diwali snacks (faral) and Zunka-Bhakar with farmer families at their homes. She assessed ground-level conditions and listened directly to farmers' grievances. The gesture, critics may note, is part of a broader political effort to maintain grassroots connect in Baramati — historically associated with her family's political base.

Government Relief Measures in Place

Pawar confirmed that the government had provided an advance assistance of ₹5,000 per farmer ahead of Diwali. Farmers at Sonkarvasti reported receiving additional benefits including loan waivers and deposits under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, describing the multi-pronged assistance as significant relief during a difficult period.

Looking ahead, she informed that the Supe Sat Gaon Water Supply Scheme will be expedited to provide a permanent solution to the region's drinking water problem. She also directed officials to promptly address residents' demand for a speed breaker at Ambi Phata following her subsequent visit to a farmer's home in Ambi.

Rural Athlete Recognised

In a lighter moment during the Sonkarvasti visit, Pawar specially commended and honoured skater Shivam Nalawade, a local youth who has excelled in skating competitions in Indonesia and Dehradun. She highlighted his achievements as proof that rural backgrounds are no barrier to sporting success, and stressed the importance of encouraging talent from villages.

Baramati's Development Agenda

'Ajitdada had envisioned many development goals for Baramati taluka, and all these dreams will be fulfilled collectively. Whether it is the water crisis or basic infrastructure in villages, all issues will be resolved in a planned manner,' Pawar said during the visit. She followed up at Jogwadi, inspecting fields and reviewing drinking water availability, fodder status, and agricultural water supply in that locality as well.

With Maharashtra facing acute drought stress in several districts this season, the visits signal the state government's intent to combine political outreach with on-ground administrative review — the adequacy of which will be tested in the coming months.