State Government Will Provide Assistance at the Earliest: Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar

Deputy Chief Minister Inspects Damaged Banana Crop in Baramati, Interacts with Farmers

Baramati, June 2026: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar visited the banana-growing areas affected by the storm and heavy rain that struck the Karhati region of Baramati taluka on Friday (June 5). She personally inspected the crop damage, reviewed the situation with officials, and interacted with farmers. Assuring them of government support, she said that financial assistance would be provided as quickly as possible.

Sub-Divisional Officer Uttam Dighe, District Superintendent Agriculture Officer Sanjay Kachole, Tehsildar Swapnil Ravade, Taluka Agriculture Officer Sachin Hake, local farmers, and public representatives were present during the visit.

Mrs. Pawar said that the district administration had been instructed to immediately conduct damage assessments (panchnamas) of the affected areas to ensure that compensation reaches the farmers without delay. She noted that the administration has already begun the necessary work in this regard.

“The state government always stands firmly with farmers during times of crisis. I urge all affected farmers to remain patient and not lose hope,” she said.

Earlier, Mrs. Pawar visited the family of Nandabai Janardhan Ladkat of Malwadi (Loni), who died after a tin shed collapsed during a storm on June 2. She offered condolences to the bereaved family and handed over compensation assistance.

On the occasion, she presented a compensation cheque of Rs 4 lakh to the family of the deceased and Rs 8,000 for the loss of two goats. Compensation cheques were also handed over to other affected individuals, including Rs 16,000 to Prahlad Pandurang Ladkat, Rs 8,000 to Balasaheb Amruta Ladkat, and Rs 12,000 to Nanda Pratap Pharande.

Officials informed the Deputy Chief Minister about other instances of storm-related damage across the taluka. In Gunwadi village, the roofing sheets of the house belonging to Radha Ravin Agawane were blown away by strong winds. In Karhati village, approximately 250 to 300 banana plants on the farm of Narayan Lonkar were damaged.

In Modve village, ten goats, three sheep, and one dog belonging to Gulab Mote died after being struck by lightning.

According to preliminary assessments, crops spread across approximately 95 hectares of land belonging to 169 farmers in four villages of the taluka have suffered damage due to the recent adverse weather conditions.

Agriculture Minister Also Inspects Affected Areas

Earlier in the day, Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharane visited the storm-affected areas in the Katewadi region. He interacted with farmers, reviewed the extent of crop losses, and received detailed reports from officials regarding the damage caused by the severe weather.