The minister of state for cooperatives Dadaji Bhuse has urged officials to make extra efforts to solve the problem of farmers and help them avail government facilities and benefits. He also asked the officials to help farmers recharge their wells to strengthen the well system in their endeavor to fight drought. The minister was in the city on Sunday to take stock of the drought situation and to visit the affected areas. While attending a meeting at the district collectorate on Sunday, the minister urged officials to strongly support the farmers and help them get due financial benefits officially meant for them. He asked the officials to make proper provisions for the drought affected areas and an effective plan at tehsil level. He said that tehsildar concerned and block development officer should conduct a joint inspection of a villages to know exact drought situation and availability of water. This would help tackle drought situation in each village. Bhuse said, " Crop yield in 1392 villages in the district was less than 50% and this indicated the severity of drought. In 2014-15, many farmers got crop insurance but still about 5% of them are left out. The officials should come forward to help them get the insurance amount." He also directed the administration to ensure that the electric transformers are replaced or repaired immediately in rural areas so that farmers are not put to inconvenience. The minister also visited Phulamri and held discussions with the authorities concerned and talked to the farmers. He also reviewed works being carried out under various government schemes including EGS. Bhuse urged the villagers to focus on works like well-recharge to strengthen local irrigation system. Source - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com