Pawar, who launched the cane crushing season of Kedareshwar cooperative sugar factory at Bodhegaon in Shevgaon taluka, said nearly 90 per cent of the bajra crop had become useless because of the excessive rain. The jowar sowing was badly affected and the delayed sowing of wheat would hit its output, he said. The inordinate wet spell had led to the rotting of sugarcane telling on the sugarcane production which contradicted the bumper sugarcane production claim, Pawar said. The delayed harvesting of grapes and other fruits would affect their quality, he added.

Pawar said, at present, the rural economy was in a shambles and the Government must gear up to rescue the rural populace. The ministers should realise the gravity ofthe situation and stop making childish statements, he added.

On the issue of providing free power to farmers, Pawar said the State government should first prioritise regular power supply. He said, if the exchequer could afford to offer free power supply, there would be no complaints.