Maha govt failed to convince Centre on funds for farmers: Oppn

The opposition today accused the Maharashtra government of having "failed" to convince the BJP-led government at the Centre to release funds for farmers affected by drought and unseasonal rains.
The Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council, Dhananjay Munde (NCP) said it was "unfortunate" the Centre did not release funds for those affected by drought, hailstorm and unseasonal rains, despite being reminded twice by the state government.
"More than 70 per cent of Maharashtra is reeling under drought conditions. Those who had seen the drought of 1972 say that this drought is worse than that. What little was left has been taken away by unseasonal rains," he said.

The government has not even conducted basic formalities like doing a 'panchnama' (assessment) of the affected crops let alone farmers receiving monetary help, he alleged.
"The government needs to do a panchmana immediately and declare a financial package..., not doing so will be an insult to farmers," he said.
Munde alleged a "record breaking" number of suicides has occurred in the 100 days of the BJP government.

"Please request the Centre to release funds for farmers. When Sharad Pawar was (Union Agriculture) Minister he got the farm loan of Rs 70,000 crore waived from the Union government. It is unfortunate that despite being reminded twice, the Centre has failed to respond," he said.

Munde said that 7.5 lakh hectares of land has been destroyed due to hailstorm, drought and unseasonal rains.
"Instead of blaming us for everything, prove to the people that you are better than us," he added.
Pandurang Phundkar of BJP said the opposition should not forget that their parties have been voted out of power as they failed to help farmers in the last 15 years.
"The opposition should not forget that these difficult times are continuing from the last 12 years. The previous government too declared packages. How much of it was actually received by farmers?" he asked.
"5000 farmers committed suicide in the last 15 years of your rule. Why did you not stop it then?," Phundkar said.

He said changes in agricultural techniques are required keeping in terms with current ups and downs in climate.
"Traditional techniques need to be abandoned. Give us (time of) five years. 'Acche din' will surely come. Do not derive political mileage out of this situation," he added.
To this, Congress' Manikrao Thakre said the government was not doing enough for farmers.