Daily Times

NEW DELHI: About 30,000 farmers in India’s western state of Maharashtra are currently on a protest march to demand loan waiver, implementation of government commissions report on farmers and compensation for crop damage.

Led by farmer’s outfit Akhil Bhartiya Kisan Sabha (All India Peasants Union), the farmers started the peaceful march on Tuesday from Nasik city, about 170 km northeast of state capital city Mumbai. They are headed for Mumbai city.

On Saturday, the farmers reached Bhiwandi in Thane district.

“We intend to reach Mumbai city on Sunday evening in a bid to seek attention of government towards our plight,” said Tola Ram, a farmer who is attending the march.

“We the farmers in Maharashtra are struggling hard to cope with the agrarian crisis and natural calamities. Our demand is government should act to end our misery.”

Braving hot sun, the farmers, wearing red caps and holding up red flags with the sickle and hammer symbol, are carrying on with their march stopping only for food and rest.

The farmers are carrying eatables along with them and stop to prepare food for themselves.

The farmers intend to assemble outside the building of Maharashtra legislature in Mumbai to get their demands heard Monday.

Currently, the budget session of Maharashtra state legislature is underway.

“We are demanding proper implementation of the loan waiver package announced by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis last year and the implementation of recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission,” Devraj Gavin, another farmer said.

Published in Daily Times, March 11^th 2018.