India, Oct. 3 -- Nationalist Congress Party/NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar/SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Friday began his tour of drought-hit talukas in the state by visiting Baramati, Purandar and Daund in Pune district where farmers raised concerns over crop losses, water shortage and mounting financial distress. Pawar assured the farmers that he would take up their concerns with the state government, and seek measures to alleviate the impact of the drought-like conditions.

During Pawar's interaction with farmers in Purandar, several farmers narrated their difficulties after their Kharif crops were damaged due to inadequate rainfall. They expressed concern over their inability to sustain their families and provide fodder and water to livestock....