Farmers threaten ‘jail bharo’ protest on May 14 in Maharashtra

Approximately 25 farmer organisations, have decided to protest against what they described as ‘anti-farmer’ stance of the state government

After the massive farmer’s agitation in March, another protest is slated to take place on May 14 when lakhs of farmers will undertake a ‘Jail Bharo andolan’ to protest against the state government.

In March, around 35,000 farmers travelled 180kms from Nashik to Mumbai, pressing for their demands. (HT PHOTO)

Approximately 25 farmer organisations, who have now gathered under the banner of ‘Shetkari Sanghatana Sukanu Samiti’, have decided to protest against what they described as ‘anti-farmer’ stance of the state government.

Their grouse—the ill implemented loan waiver scheme, failure to secure Minimum Support price (MSP) for agriculture produce and waiver of power bills of the farmers.

According to Vishwas Utgi, committee member of the Samiti, farmers are now fed up with the insensitive attitude of the state government. “The whole loan waiver scheme was ill conceived and did not benefit the farmers despite the tall claims made by the government. Today, the MSP is so low that farmers are getting lower amounts than what they have invested,” said Utgi. He added that while large corporate firms are busy getting subsidies, farmers are left high and dry.

The state government last year had announced a ₹34,000-crore loan waiver package. However, the whole scheme has been mired in controversy as both farmers and opposition benches have alleged that it has done little to alleviate their condition.

Defended its stance, the state said that some opposition elements were provoking the farmers. “We have done our best in the prevailing situation and are open to talks with them. However, we cannot agree to unreasonable demands,” said a senior state government bureaucrat who refused to come on record.

In March, around 35,000 farmers travelled 180kms from Nashik to Mumbai, pressing for their demands. They called off their agitation after the state government agreed in writing to all their demands and assured to implement it in a time bound manner.