Baramati: NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Saturday raised concerns over the rising number of farmer suicides in Marathwada and Vidarbha, urging the Centre to formulate a comprehensive policy to support struggling cultivators. His remarks follow the shocking data released by the Maharashtra relief and rehabilitation department, which reported 2,635 farmer suicides in the state in 2024 alone.
“The information coming from Marathwada and Vidarbha is deeply concerning. We will collect accurate data from different locations. The Centre must step in with a policy to support farmers,” Pawar stated while addressing reporters in Baramati.
Meanwhile, amid speculation regarding NCP leader Jayant Patil’s potential defection to the Ajit Pawar-led faction, Sharad Pawar dismissed the buzz, citing Patil’s own clarification to the media. Patil had earlier made ambiguous statements about his future, fueling political speculation, but later denied any rift after a meeting with Sharad Pawar in Baramati.
In a significant development, Pawar also highlighted the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in revolutionizing sugarcane farming. He stated that AI can enhance crop quality and several sugar factories are gearing up to implement AI-driven techniques.
“A major decision on AI in agriculture is expected soon, and discussions are underway with sugar factory officials. AI will help improve sugarcane quality and yield, ushering in a new era for farming,” he added.
