12,000 Farmers March to Mumbai Demanding Drought Relief
Farmers from Maharashtra are marching to Mumbai to demand urgent financial aid for those affected by drought.
Over 12,000 farmers are participating in the march from Igatpuri to Mumbai.
The Maharashtra government has added 40 more talukas to the drought-hit list, totaling 305.
Farmers are demanding immediate crop insurance payments and loan waivers.
In a significant demonstration, more than 12,000 farmers commenced their march from Igatpuri to Mumbai on Tuesday, advocating for immediate relief for those affected by drought. Organized under the All India Kisan Sabha, the farmers are raising their voices for financial assistance, crop insurance payments, and loan waivers as they traverse the Nashik–Mumbai highway.
The farmers, identifiable by their red flags, are pressing for urgent financial support for drought-stricken cultivators, the prompt settlement of crop insurance claims, and legal ownership rights for those farming on forest land. Ajit Nawale, a leader of the All India Kisan Sabha, emphasized the need for reforms in the farm loan waiver policy, suggesting that regular loan repayments should qualify farmers for benefits under the scheme.
The Maharashtra Cabinet recently expanded the list of drought-affected talukas by adding 40 more, bringing the total to 305. In response to the ongoing crisis, the state government has announced an advance payment of ₹5,000 to each farmer ahead of Diwali. Furthermore, the government has implemented a farm loan waiver scheme and directed banks to refrain from recovering loans from farmers during this challenging period.
The water crisis in regions like Marathwada has intensified, prompting the government to increase the number of water tankers and implement GPS tracking to ensure efficient distribution. The drought has also raised concerns about fodder availability for livestock, leading the government to assure procurement at fixed prices and encourage farmers to cultivate fodder.
Looking ahead, an inter-ministerial team is assessing the severity of the drought's impact on farmers. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently proposed a ₹17,500 crore relief package to the Union government, which includes provisions for crop loss and fodder management. As the situation develops, the state government is focusing on prioritizing drinking water supply and planning repairs to water storage systems to address the ongoing challenges faced by farmers and rural communities.
