Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Steps In After Viral Video Shows Maharashtra Farmer Struggling To Save Crop In Heavy Rain

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan personally intervened after a viral video from Maharashtra showed a distressed farmer trying to save his rain-soaked groundnut crop with his bare hands. The video, recorded in a market in Washim district, captured farmer Gaurav Panwar’s desperate attempt to protect his harvest during a spell of unseasonal rainfall, drawing national attention to the plight of farmers affected by erratic weather.

Chouhan Assures Help From Govt For Crop Damages

Moved by the emotional visuals, Chouhan called Panwar directly and assured him that the government would take swift action to compensate his losses. “The video truly pained me,” Chouhan said during the call, which he later shared on social media. “But don’t worry. The Maharashtra government is sensitive to farmers’ issues. I have spoken to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the Agriculture Minister and the local collector. You will receive compensation and support. We are with you.”

The minister further assured Panwar that steps would be taken immediately to address his case. “They will begin working on it by Monday,” Chouhan said, reiterating that no farmer would be left helpless in such situations. During the call, Panwar mentioned that he had fallen ill after being drenched while trying to save his crop.

The video become symbolic of the broader crisis gripping many regions of Maharashtra, where untimely rains and hailstorms have damaged standing crops. Several parts of the state, including Washim, have seen severe weather over the past few days, threatening the livelihoods of thousands of farmers. The India Meteorological Department has also warned of more rainfall in the coming days, further adding to the concerns.

Chouhan’s immediate response has been widely acknowledged and is being seen as a crucial gesture of reassurance at a time when farmers are facing mounting losses. The intervention also led the local authorities to expedite damage assessments and begin work on relief distribution.

Meanwhile, political leaders across the spectrum have urged prompt and efficient action. Maharashtra NCP (Sharad Pawar) President Jayant Patil cited Panwar’s video and called for immediate compensation for all affected farmers. “This is not an isolated case. The government must move quickly to provide financial assistance and ensure such losses are mitigated,” Patil said in a statement.