Back on the streets: Tens of thousands of farmers in Maharashtra marched to the State capital Mumbai on Thursday to demand loan waivers and the transfer of forestland to villagers who have farmed there for decades. There have been protests by farmers all over the country over falling income and other issues. Many of those marching in Maharashtra had joined a similar protest in March when the State promised to settle the land rights issue.
Mumbai 22/11/2018: Farmers from different parts of Maharashtra march towards Azad Maidan from lalbaug area, demanding better compensation for drought and transfer of forest rights to tribals. Photo: Emmanual Yogini
Reuters quoted one protester as saying that “nothing has been done.” The farmers, mostly from the tribal belt of the State, are also demanding farm loan waivers and higher prices for grain, milk and other produce. This week, a report submitted by the Union Agriculture Ministry to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance said millions of farmers in India were unable to buy seeds and fertilizer for their winter crops because of demonetisation. Pictures show farmers marching towards Azad Maidan in Mumbai.
