Marathwada farmers refit ploughs on oxen amidst diesel shortage

CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR: Farmers in parts of Marathwada are being forced to fall back on traditional oxen-driven ploughing as a diesel shortage cripples the use of tractors and other mechanised equipment. Many told TOI that the older generation skilled in such methods is ageing, while younger farmers, accustomed exclusively to tractors are struggling to adapt.

In Beed, farmer Parvez Patel is staring at his unploughed land and an approaching monsoon with growing anxiety. "Pre-monsoon showers are expected anytime soon, and my 14-acre farm is yet to be ploughed. Diesel to run tractors and other mechanised tools of agriculture has become a rarity in our area," Patel said.

With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicating that the southwest monsoon could hit Kerala around May 26 and move into Marathwada soon after, farmers fear any early showers could make ploughing even harder due to the wet soil conditions.

The crisis has hit families like that of Keshav Sonawane, in Kannad taluka of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, where uncertainty has disrupted crucial farm preparations. "There is no diesel available to operate a tractor to plough my field. My sons are running from pillar to post to get fuel, but there is a major shortage," he said.