Will borrow if needed to help drought-affected farmers: Devendra Fadnavis

MUMBAI: Maharashtra Government will secure fresh loans to ensure that there is no dearth of resources to help drought-hit farmers in Marathwada region, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said today.

"If needed, we would take fresh loans to ensure that there is no dearth of funds to help mitigate hardships of farmers," Fadnavis, who began his three-day tour to the parched region, told farmers in Latur.

Fadnavis, along with his Cabinet colleagues Pankaja Munde, Babanrao Lonikar and officers, visited Yerol village in Shirur taluka, Nitur, Gaur, Tupadi villages in Nilanga taluka of Latur district.

The CM addressed farmers and informed them about different schemes undertaken by his government.

He said the government is working very hard for the welfare of farmers.

"We released Rs 86 crore today for water supply to drought-affected districts. If required, government will take loan to help farmers," he added.

Fadnavis also visited a ration shop, distributed food grains and later visited fodder camps (chara chhavni) and interacted with farmers at every stop.

The CM also assured to consider "Dewas pattern" for farm ponds as suggested by a farmer during an interaction.