NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule on Thursday demanded Rs 1 lakh per hectare of financial assistance for drought-hit farmers in Maharashtra, and urged the State Government to release pending aid under its schemes. Talking to reporters here, Sule said her party chief Sharad Pawar had written a letter to the Government, urging it to provide relief to farmers. “Our intention is not to engage in hollow politics. We have maintained an attitude of cooperation because this is a time when humanity matters,” she said.

 

The Baramati MP said farmers were facing serious difficulties due to drought and rising inflation, and called for assistance of Rs 1 lakh per hectare. Banks should not harass farmers, she said, adding that employment-guarantee works should be initiated. Referring to Namo Kisan as well as the Maharashtra Government’s farmer assistance schemes, Sule said the cultivators were entitled to annual assistance from both the Centre and the State. She alleged that a portion of the State’s contribution remained unpaid.