Pankaj Gaikwad suggested loan waiver, 75 per cent subsidy for field fences to keep out wild boars. But most demanded irrigation facilities, lack of which has hit Vidarbha very hard.

Suresh and Gomaji complained about the non-release of loans despite the special state government package for restructuring loans. “Our sowing activities are stuck,” they told Singh.

After listening to the farmers, Chief Minister Deshmukh said: “We have many panels probing the reasons for this problem. We are implementing a Rs 1,075 crore package. We have also restructured loans. But we need to increase irrigation, without which we won’t be able to tide over this crisis. I feel cotton alone won’t help.” Then turning to the PM, he said: “Farmers are looking at you with great hope. Your visit has raised their hopes.”

Singh, on his part, assured the farmers: “I understand that the loan burden is a big problem. There is need to find some solution. I have been discussing the issue with Deshmukh and Pawar. I believe we need to increase irrigation and promote programmes like animal husbandry. I assure you that I will announce some relief before I wind up my tour.”

The PM later visited Waifad village in Wardha district where he had a similar interaction with another group of farmers. He also visited Mahatma Gandhi’s Sevagram Ashram.