Latur, Aug 23 (PTI) Thousands of farmers on Sunday blocked a stretch of the Hyderabad-Latur highway in Maharashtra, demanding immediate drought relief, compensation for crop losses and incentives for those who have regularly repaid their farm loans.
The demonstrators raised slogans against the state government, alleging that farmers were facing a severe crisis due to inadequate rainfall, low prices for agricultural produce, rising input costs and mounting debt.
The protest was led by the Krantikari Shetkari Sanghatna’s Maharashtra unit president Rajiv Kasbe in Lamjana village in Latur district.
The protesters’ key demand was an incentive subsidy of Rs 2 lakh for farmers who have regularly repaid their loans.
The farmers’ organisation also demanded that a drought be declared immediately across the Marathwada region, where a prolonged dry spell has put the kharif season at risk, and demanded compensation of Rs 50,000 for every affected farmer.
“Do not test the patience of farmers. Otherwise, it will become difficult for ministers and MLAs to move freely in villages,” protesters said.
Kasbe told PTI that farmers repay their loans honestly and struggle to keep their farms going even during times of crisis.
“Every farmer who regularly repays loans must receive an incentive subsidy of Rs 2 lakh. The government should not test the patience of farmers. If our demands are not accepted, we will take the struggle across Maharashtra and intensify the fight on the streets for farmers’ rights,” Kasbe added.
The protesters dispersed after blocking the highway for over two hours in the morning hours. PTI COR NSK
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