Nagpur, Maharashtra: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis celebrated Diwali with farmers and their families at Lohari Sawanga village in Narkhed taluka of Nagpur district on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Instead of attending grand festive celebrations, the Chief Minister chose to spend the occasion with rural families facing agricultural challenges and drought-related difficulties.
The visit was aimed at understanding the problems faced by farmers, interacting directly with villagers and boosting their morale during a difficult agricultural season.
Fadnavis Celebrates Diwali at a Farmer’s Home
During his visit to Lohari Sawanga, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stayed at the residence of farmer Rambhau Balpande and his family.
The family welcomed the Chief Minister with traditional aarti and tilak. Fadnavis spent time interacting with family members and enquired about their farming activities, financial difficulties and everyday challenges.
He also shared a traditional Maharashtrian meal with the family, sitting on a wooden platform and enjoying home-cooked food.
The visit reflected an effort to connect with farming families beyond official meetings and government programmes.
Farmers Raise Concerns Over Drought and Crop Losses
One of the major topics discussed during the visit was the agricultural distress affecting several parts of Maharashtra.
Farmers highlighted problems related to insufficient rainfall, inadequate irrigation facilities, water shortages and increasing cultivation expenses.
Several crops, including soybean, cotton and tur, have reportedly suffered damage due to unfavourable weather conditions.
The situation has also affected farmers in the Katol-Narkhed region, particularly orange and sweet lime growers.
Fadnavis acknowledged the difficulties and assured farmers that the state government would provide assistance through financial support and long-term agricultural development initiatives.
Government Assures Financial Assistance to Farmers
During his interaction, the Chief Minister discussed various relief measures being implemented by the Maharashtra government.
He highlighted the following initiatives:
- Loan Waiver: According to the Chief Minister, loan waiver benefits had been deposited into the accounts of approximately 21 lakh farmers, while the process was underway for additional eligible beneficiaries.
- Advance Financial Assistance: Around 1.5 crore farmers had received advance assistance of ₹5,000.
- Electricity Bill Waiver: The state government has announced a complete waiver of farmers’ electricity bills, involving an estimated expenditure of ₹58,000 crore.
- Drought Relief: Additional financial assistance is expected for farmers affected by drought and crop losses.
The Chief Minister also assured villagers that the government would continue working towards improving the financial condition of farming families.
Irrigation and Water Conservation to Be Major Priorities
Water availability was another important issue raised during the interaction.
To address recurring drought conditions, Fadnavis discussed plans to strengthen rural water infrastructure.
The proposed measures include repairing existing lakes and check dams, constructing new water conservation structures and improving irrigation facilities.
He also discussed permitting irrigation wells wherever feasible to help farmers secure a more reliable water supply.
The government aims to strengthen these facilities before the next monsoon season to reduce the impact of future water shortages.
Support for Orange and Sweet Lime Farmers in Nagpur Region
The Chief Minister also discussed challenges faced by orange and sweet lime growers in the Katol-Narkhed belt.
Restrictions on fruit imports imposed by Bangladesh have affected market opportunities for some growers, adding to their financial difficulties.
Fadnavis highlighted the upcoming food-processing project at MIHAN in Nagpur as a potential opportunity for farmers.
The project is expected to create additional possibilities for processing agricultural produce and exploring alternative markets.
Such infrastructure could help farmers reduce dependence on traditional markets and improve the value of their produce.
Interaction with Around 100 Villagers
Following his dinner with the Balpande family, Fadnavis met approximately 100 villagers at the gram panchayat premises.
The interaction continued for nearly an hour and 15 minutes.
Farmers raised concerns about crop damage, irrigation facilities, agricultural expenses, drinking water availability and local development requirements.
The Chief Minister listened to their concerns and reiterated that the state government would support farming communities through financial assistance and development programmes.
He also emphasised the importance of water conservation, rural infrastructure and collective efforts to address agricultural challenges.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Appreciates Fadnavis’s Gesture
Prime Minister Narendra Modi appreciated the Chief Minister’s decision to celebrate Diwali with farmers in Lohari Sawanga village.
In a message shared on November 8, the Prime Minister described the gesture as touching and highlighted its significance in demonstrating concern for farmers and their well-being.
He also mentioned that Fadnavis had stayed at the residence of Arunabai and Rambhau Balpande.
The Prime Minister’s appreciation brought further attention to the Chief Minister’s Diwali visit to the Nagpur district village.
A Diwali Focused on Farmers and Rural Maharashtra
Devendra Fadnavis’s visit to Lohari Sawanga was more than a festive gathering. It provided an opportunity for farmers to communicate their concerns directly to the state’s Chief Minister.
At a time when several farming communities are dealing with crop losses, water shortages and financial uncertainty, direct interaction between government representatives and villagers remains important.
The visit also brought attention to the need for long-term solutions involving irrigation, water conservation, agricultural infrastructure and better market opportunities.
For the farming families of Lohari Sawanga, this year’s Diwali became a memorable occasion as the Chief Minister celebrated the festival in their village and shared a meal with a local farmer’s family.
3. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where did Devendra Fadnavis celebrate Diwali with farmers?
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis celebrated Diwali at Lohari Sawanga village in Narkhed taluka of Nagpur district.
2. Whose house did Devendra Fadnavis visit?
He visited and stayed at the residence of farmer Rambhau Balpande and his family.
3. Why did Fadnavis celebrate Diwali with farmers?
The visit aimed to boost farmers’ morale, understand their agricultural difficulties and reassure them of government support amid drought conditions.
4. Which agricultural crops have been affected in Maharashtra?
Soybean, cotton and tur crops have faced damage due to unfavourable weather and inadequate rainfall.
5. Did Prime Minister Narendra Modi appreciate the visit?
Yes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Fadnavis for celebrating Diwali with farmers in Lohari Sawanga and staying at a farmer’s residence.