NCP Chief Urges Respect for Sharad Pawar's Contributions, Counters Shah's Criticism

Mumbai - Maharashtra NCP(SP) chief Jayant Patil defended Sharad Pawar's tenure as Union Agriculture Minister, citing a slew of achievements that benefited farmers. Patil's statement comes in response to recent criticism of Pawar by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Shah, speaking at events in Malegaon and Mumbai on Friday, questioned Pawar's contributions to the agricultural sector. He criticized Pawar for focusing on marketing over on-ground work and questioned why a separate cooperation department wasn't established during his decade-long tenure.

Patil countered Shah's claims by highlighting Pawar's role in transforming India from a food importer to an exporter. He stated that under Pawar's leadership, food grain production surged by 60 million tons, reaching a record high of 260 million tons. This achievement was marked by India's first-ever production of 100 million tons of rice in 2013.

Patil emphasized Pawar's initiatives like the National Horticulture Mission, which invested Rs 8,000 crore and brought 60 lakh hectares under irrigation. Through agricultural exports, the country received Rs 14,000 crore in foreign exchange, meeting the country’s needs.

Patil also highlighted Pawar's role in securing a Rs 70,000 crore farm loan waiver scheme and providing Rs 2,200 crore in aid to Maharashtra during a drought. He also credited Pawar with implementing the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) system and supporting sugarcane and grape growers.

Patil urged Amit Shah to refrain from criticizing Pawar, emphasizing the deep respect and faith that the people of Maharashtra have in him. He also reminded Shah that Pawar had implemented a special package for farmers, including the FRP system, and that farmers across the country would attest to Pawar's positive impact on their lives.