Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighting what he termed a severe agrarian crisis in Maharashtra. According to reports from NDTV Profit, Pawar stated that an average of one farmer dies by suicide every three hours in Maharashtra, with more than 2,700 farmer suicides recorded in the Vidarbha and Marathwada regions over the past year. The letter, dated July 22, 2026, was written by the Rajya Sabha MP addressing what he described as a crisis requiring immediate government intervention.
Pawar demanded a legal guarantee on minimum support price (MSP) for all crops, citing significant disparities in government procurement. As reported by NDTV Profit, he noted that while the Centre announces support prices for 23 crops, most Maharashtra farmers do not benefit as procurement centres often do not open on time. The NCP leader revealed that 80-85% of national government procurement is concentrated on wheat and paddy from two-three states, while only 5-12% of Maharashtra's soyabean, cotton, pulses and paddy output is purchased at government rates, forcing farmers to sell 15-25% below market price. Pawar specifically called for a legal guarantee of MSP for every farmer to address these systemic issues.
Pawar highlighted administrative delays in government compensation schemes, stating that the ₹1 lakh government compensation meant for affected families often remains pending for years due to complex eligibility conditions and administrative delays. According to NDTV Profit, he called for rapid digital verification with funds transferred directly to beneficiaries' bank accounts to address these systemic issues. The NCP leader also flagged implementation gaps in the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, citing delayed surveyor inspections, poor use of satellite-based technology and inadequate local grievance redressal. He sought mandatory geo-tagging, penalties on defaulting insurers and time-bound direct compensation to improve the scheme's effectiveness.
On irrigation and water management, Pawar criticized the stalled implementation of thousands of crores of rupees sanctioned for irrigation and drinking water schemes, including the Jal Jeevan Mission. As reported by NDTV Profit, he attributed these delays to poor planning, administrative corruption, political interference and contractor negligence, leaving several regions in water crisis despite adequate reserves. The NCP leader sought an immediate independent third-party audit of such projects and strict action against those responsible, calling for clear, time-bound administrative accountability to ensure proper project execution.
Beyond MSP and irrigation issues, Pawar raised concerns over artificial shortages and counterfeit seeds and fertilisers, seeking stricter action against violators and reduced GST rates on agricultural inputs. According to NDTV Profit, he also called for revised National Disaster Response Fund norms accounting for climate-linked crop damage. The NCP leader's comprehensive letter to the Prime Minister represents a detailed analysis of Maharashtra's agricultural challenges and proposed policy interventions to address them, covering multiple aspects of farmer welfare and agricultural infrastructure.
