Thousands of farmers and members of India's tribal community from different districts of Maharashtra state are heading to the state capital, Mumbai, to draw government attention to varied issues, including crops and their produce.
The protesters, who started off in Dindori, a town in Nashik district about 200 km from Mumbai on Sunday, are expected to reach Mumbai on Monday, March 20. On Wednesday, they reached Thane district, just about 70 km from Mumbai, the commercial capital of the country.
Local media reports say the protest has been joined by workers from unorganised sectors — ASHA (community health) worker, farmers, and tribal community members.
What Are Farmers' Demands?
The farmers are demanding immediate financial relief of INR 600 (about $7) per quintal to onion growers. They have similar demands related to other crops: soybean, cotton, and arhar — a yellow pulse.
As onion is a staple crop in India, Nashik district is one of the important hubs of onion production.
Due to bumper onion production, the price started falling in February, prompting farmers in different parts of the state to hold protests. Some even dumped onions on the road.
At that time, the Maharashtra state government announced a compensation of INR 300 ($3.66) per quintal to onion farmers. However, farmers demanded compensation of INR 600.
Meanwhile, farmers in some parts of the state are seeking relief for crops which were damaged due to unseasonal rains. Their other demands include an uninterrupted electricity supply for 12 hours per day and a waiver of agriculture loans.
State government representative and former legislator Jiva Gavit has stated that ministers have invited the delegation of farmers and members of the tribal community to a meeting with State Chief Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday to discuss the issues.
Meanwhile, ASHA workers (community health workers) are demanding minimum wages, and others want the implementation of the Old Pension Scheme for state government employees who have joined the service post-2005.