Sun May 18 15:51:40 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Heartbreaking Video Sparks Action: Farmer Assured Compensation After Crop Loss in Maharashtra Downpour**

**Washim, Maharashtra – May 18, 2025** – A viral video showing a farmer desperately trying to salvage his peanut crop from a heavy downpour in Washim, Maharashtra, has prompted swift action from both state and central government officials. The video, depicting farmer Gaurav Panwar’s struggle against the unseasonal rain, has become a symbol of the hardships faced by farmers across several districts in Maharashtra due to recent adverse weather conditions.

The poignant scene captured Mr. Panwar’s helplessness as the rain threatened to wash away his hard-earned produce at a local market. The video resonated deeply, drawing the attention of Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Chouhan, who contacted Mr. Panwar to offer support.

Minister Chouhan shared a recording of his conversation with the farmer on social media platform X, where Mr. Panwar expressed the significant losses he had suffered. In response, Chouhan assured him that the government was sensitive to the plight of farmers and would provide compensation to alleviate the financial burden. He also confirmed that he had spoken to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the state’s agriculture minister, as well as local officials, to expedite the process.

“Whatever losses have occurred will be compensated so that you and your family don’t face any trouble,” Chouhan said during the call, adding that officials would aim to resolve the issue by Monday.

Mr. Panwar, who reportedly fell ill after being drenched in the rain, expressed his gratitude for the support.

Earlier, Maharashtra NCP (Sharad Pawar) president Jayant Patil had also called on the state government to provide immediate relief to affected farmers, citing the devastating impact of the unseasonal rainfall and hailstorms across the region. The meteorological department has forecast further rainfall in the coming days, raising concerns about additional crop damage and highlighting the urgent need for government assistance.

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