The sugar mills in Baramati are in a state of mourning following the tragic loss of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who was widely regarded as the guardian and leader of the Maharashtra sugar industry. Known for his unwavering commitment to the sector, Pawar's demise has left a profound void in the agricultural heartland of Western Maharashtra.
A Pillar of the Sugar Industry
The Maharashtra sugar industry has long been considered the stronghold of Ajit Pawar, with the Deputy Chief Minister consistently demonstrating a determined effort to maintain command over this vital economic sector. His passing is not just a political loss but a personal blow to the countless farmers and mill workers who relied on his leadership and vision.
Personal Tributes from Industry Insiders
Rajendra Dhaval Patil, former director of the Malegaon Cooperative Sugar Mill in Baramati and Western Maharashtra head of the farmer organisation Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana, was rendered speechless upon hearing the news. Despite their political differences, Patil emphasized that Pawar always held sugarcane farmers in high regard.
"When the Malegaon Karkhana was up for polls in 2019-20, he called me over and requested me to contest from the panel supported by him as a farmer representative. He never asked me to join his party," Patil recalled, highlighting Pawar's respect for agricultural voices beyond partisan lines.
Championing Farmer Welfare
During his tenure as director, Patil witnessed firsthand how Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar worked closely with sugar mills to ensure that farmers received their payments promptly. "He even called up mills that delayed payments and urged them to pay on time. For him, the farmer was the base of the economy," Patil noted, underscoring Pawar's deep-rooted belief in farmer-centric policies.
Transforming Baramati's Agricultural Landscape
As a lifelong resident of Baramati, Patil credited Pawar with transforming the once-small agricultural area into a technologically advanced agri-development zone. "In Baramati, he was the son of the soil—he gave time to everyone and heard people out. The area has lost its guardian now," he lamented, reflecting the collective grief of the community.
Attention to Detail and Technological Advancement
Shahaji Gaikwad, managing director of Daund Sugar Private Limited, shared insights into Pawar's meticulous approach to the sugar industry. "Be it the technical management of the mills or the availability of bags, Dada kept himself abreast of every detail in the industry. He wanted technology to be available to farmers but at an affordable cost," Gaikwad explained, highlighting Pawar's forward-thinking mindset.
Gaikwad echoed the sentiments of many in the region, expressing that the loss of Ajit Pawar means the disappearance of a vital guardian who played an instrumental role in shaping the sugar sector's growth and sustainability.
Legacy of Leadership and Vision
The passing of Ajit Pawar marks the end of an era for the Maharashtra sugar industry, particularly in Baramati, where his influence was most deeply felt. His legacy includes:
- Ensuring timely payments to sugarcane farmers through direct intervention with mills.
- Transforming Baramati into a hub of agricultural innovation and development.
- Maintaining a hands-on approach to the technical and operational aspects of sugar mills.
- Fostering a culture of respect and dialogue with farmers, regardless of political affiliations.
As the industry grapples with this immense loss, the memories of Pawar's dedication and leadership continue to inspire those who worked alongside him. The sugar mills of Baramati and beyond will forever remember him as a leader who put farmers first and championed the cause of agricultural prosperity in Maharashtra.
