Maharashtra farmers to go on strike from June 1, supply of vegetables, milk may get affected

Mumbai city news: This is probably the first time farmers have resorted to a strike in the state.

After talks with chief minister Devendra Fadnavis over waiving of loans failed, farmers from several districts across Maharashtra are ready to go on strike from June 1.

Picture for representation

This is probably the first time farmers have resorted to a strike in the state. Distressed over falling prices of agricultural produce and other issues, the farmers have demanded a loan waiver.

With the farmers going on strike, cities like Mumbai and Pune are likely to face a shortage of vegetables, milk and fruits.

On Tuesday night, representatives of the Kisan Kranti Morcha, a state-level coordination committee of various farmers’ outfits met the chief minister at his official residence in Mumbai to discuss the issue, but the talks remained inconclusive, as farmers refused to postpone their agitation.

Shantaram Kunjir, a farmer leader from Pune, who was part of the delegation, told HT that Fadnavis asked them to postpone the protest, saying that the government needed some time to take a decision. “The chief minister explained his shortcomings, but we want immediate relief for the farmers,” Kunjir said.

Kunjir said in Pune district alone farmers from over 700 villages are ready to go on strike. They will not supply agricultural produce to Mumbai from Thursday. Those who try to do so will be refrained. The Mathadi workers and other unions of APMC market have also declared their support towards the protest.

Similarly, farmers from Nashik district will not supply agricultural produce to the neighbouring state - Gujarat.