Government committed to overcoming the challenges posed by drought
Festive celebrations filled with warmth and compassion as the minister shares the joys and concerns of farmers in Sayal village
Nanded, November 2026: Maharashtra Industries, Investment, Services and Marathi Language Minister Dr Uday Samant has urged farmers across the state not to lose hope or take any extreme steps in the face of the prevailing drought-like conditions. Assuring them of the government's firm support, he said all possible efforts would be made to resolve their difficulties.
Keeping in view the possibility of water scarcity over the next ten months, the government is preparing a comprehensive plan covering drinking water supply, deployment of water tankers and distribution of essential food supplies under the Anandacha Shidha scheme, among other necessary measures, he said.
Dr Samant was speaking while celebrating Diwali with farmers, women, senior citizens and villagers at Sayal in Nanded taluka.
The programme was attended by Haldi Research Centre Chairman and MLA Hemant Patil, MLAs Balaji Kalyankar, Anand Tidke-Bondharkar and Baburao Kadam-Kohlakar, Chief Executive Officer Mahesh Patil, Additional Collector Dr Ratnadeep Gaikwad, Sub-Divisional Officer Dr Sachin Khallal, District Superintendent Agriculture Officer Dattakumar Kalsait and Tehsildar Sanjay Warkad, along with other public representatives, officials, farmers and villagers.
Dr Samant said he had celebrated Diwali on 50 occasions in the past, but celebrating his 51st Diwali with farmers and residents of Sayal had given him special satisfaction.
He said interacting with senior citizens and spending time with them was a unique experience that provided fresh energy and inspiration. He noted that all ministers in the state government were celebrating Diwali with farmers this year and expressed his intention to continue visiting villages and celebrating the festival with local residents in the coming years.
The minister emphasised that the government's engagement with farmers would not be limited to celebrating Diwali with them. Ministers and officials would also visit agricultural fields, understand farmers' problems firsthand and work towards resolving them.
He said an action plan was being prepared to tackle the drought situation and that the administration would work in coordination to address the difficulties faced by farmers, women and senior citizens.
Dr Samant also assured that the Chief Minister's Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana would continue. He highlighted the government's decision to waive tuition fees for girls to enable them to pursue higher education without financial constraints.
Praying for lasting happiness in the lives of farmers and favourable support from nature, he extended Diwali greetings to everyone.
MLAs Raise Farmers' Concerns
During the programme, Haldi Research Centre Chairman and MLA Hemant Patil highlighted several issues concerning farmers, including equitable distribution of water from dams, construction of small check dams across streams to improve water storage, crop insurance and resolution of other agricultural problems.
He urged the government to follow up on issues raised by villagers and ensure effective implementation of various welfare schemes.
MLA Balaji Kalyankar appealed to farmers not to panic or take any extreme steps because of the prevailing drought conditions.
MLA Anand Tidke-Bondharkar referred to the government's decision to provide Rs 5,000 as Diwali advance assistance to farmers and requested the minister to ensure that the remaining financial assistance was also credited to their bank accounts without delay.
Minister Shares Diwali Snacks with Widowed Woman's Family
During the celebrations, Industries Minister Dr Uday Samant enjoyed traditional Diwali snacks with farmers and villagers.
He also visited the home of Muktabai Keshav Dhumale, a widow residing in Sayal with her five daughters, and shared festive refreshments with her family.
The minister assured her that efforts would be made to help the family access various government welfare schemes, recognising the challenges faced by a woman without a family support system.
Later, during his interaction with villagers, he took stock of their difficulties relating to drinking water, electricity, the Chief Minister's Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana and welfare schemes for destitute persons.
Assuring residents that the administration was committed to helping eligible beneficiaries access government schemes, he urged them not to worry.
On the occasion, the minister also inaugurated a drinking water tanker service for the village.
Dr Uday Samant Inspects Wadi Budruk Sub-District Hospital
After the programme at Sayal, Dr Samant visited the Sub-District Hospital at Wadi Budruk while returning from the village.
He inspected the healthcare facilities and infrastructure available at the hospital and obtained details from the concerned officials. He expressed satisfaction over the establishment of a well-equipped hospital with modern medical facilities.
