A recent heartbreaking video from Maharashtra has brought attention to the devastating impact of unseasonal rains on the farmers. Widely shared on social media, the video captures a distressed farmer, Gaurav Panwar, desperately trying to save his peanut crop from being washed away during a heavy downpour at a market in Washim district.
With helplessness clearly visible on his face, Panwar was seen using his bare hands in a desperate attempt to protect his produce, which was being soaked and spoiled by the rain. This emotional moment quickly caught the attention of many, including Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who responded with empathy and assurance.
Deeply moved by the farmer’s situation, the minister took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), expressing his sorrow and solidarity. “Seeing the poignant video of Maharashtra's farmer brother Gaurav Panwar on social media deeply disturbed my heart,” he wrote. “Untimely rain destroyed his peanut crop kept in the market.
As a farmer, I can fully understand this pain.” Chouhan personally called Panwar to console him and assured that compensation for the losses would be provided. In a video of the call shared on social media, the minister is heard telling Panwar not to worry, as both the central and Maharashtra governments are committed to farmer welfare and will ensure that support reaches him soon.
During the call, Panwar shared that he has suffered heavy losses and was feeling unwell after getting drenched in the rain. Chouhan reassured him, saying, “The Maharashtra government is very sensitive to the issues faced by farmers. I have spoken to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the state agriculture minister, and the local collector.”
“Whatever losses have occurred will be compensated so that you and your family don’t face any trouble. They will try to resolve the issue by Monday. We are all with you,” he added.
The video of Gaurav Panwar’s struggle is just one example of the many challenges farmers are facing due to unseasonal rain. With crops getting damaged and livelihoods at risk, these unexpected weather patterns are becoming a serious threat to agriculture.
सोशल मीडिया पर महाराष्ट्र के किसान भाई श्री गौरव पंवार जी का मार्मिक वीडियो देखकर हृदय विचलित हो गया।
— Office of Shivraj (@OfficeofSSC) May 18, 2025
असमय बारिश ने मंडी में रखी उनकी मूंगफली की फसल को बर्बाद कर दिया। किसान होने के नाते मैं इस पीड़ा को भली प्रकार समझ सकता हूं। मैंने गौरव जी से फोन पर बात की, उन्हें ढांढस… pic.twitter.com/gGn6a3BuMi
