Former revenue minister Balasaheb Thorat urges Maharashtra govt to fulfil farm loan waiver promise

Nashik: Former revenue minister Balasaheb Thorat on Saturday said govt must implement the promised loan waiver for farmers without hesitation and act in their interest.

Thorat criticised politicians for announcing a loan waiver before elections and failing to execute it after assuming office. "When we (Congress) had our govt, we promised loan waivers twice and delivered on the promises. Considering the dire situation of farmers today, state govt should uphold its assurances," he said.

During a programme organised in Nashik, Thorat addressed the attendees in the presence of Indranil Naik, the minister of state for soil and water conservation. As the chief guest, Thorat spoke at an event organised by Jai Hind People's Movement on the occasion of Vasantrao Naik's Memorial Day and Agriculture Day to honour young farmers.

Highlighting the increasing number of farmer suicides in the state, Thorat urged govt to address the root causes, ensure fair prices for produce, create an agriculture-friendly environment, and strengthen agriculture universities to support the sector comprehensively, as previously done.

In his address, minister of state for soil and water conservation Indranil Naik said, "Govt is taking several major steps to improve the environment for farmers. Farmers should focus on modern farming methods and utilise AI technology."

The programme was attended by former MLC Sudhir Tambe, MLC Satyajit Tambe, MP Shobha Bachhav, Maharashtra State Bagayatdar Sangh president Kailas Bhosale, Sahyadri Farms founder President Vilas Shinde, Kondaji Mama Awhad, and others.