MNS marches in Washim, warns of protest if drought is not declared

Washim district has seen a major dry spell for the last one and a half to two months, putting kharif season crops in trouble. Soybean, tur (pigeon pea), cotton and other crops have been badly affected, raising fears of a big hit to farmers' income. Against this backdrop, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena took out a protest march with hundreds of farmers to the collector's office on Wednesday, demanding that the government immediately declare a dry drought in the district and provide financial help to farmers. MNS also warned that if the government does not take a concrete decision within eight days, it will launch an intense agitation for farmers.

The march began from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Chowk. Farmers and MNS office-bearers took part, holding placards with their demands and raising slogans. The march passed through the bus stand, district sports complex, Deshmukh Hospital, Civil Lines and the government rest house before reaching the collector's office. Marchers said that with rain absent for a long period, growth of kharif crops has been stunted, and crop damage in some areas could lower output. They said farmers were already under financial strain from rising production costs, expensive fertilisers and seeds, labour and tillage expenses, and that the rain deficit has deepened the crisis further.

The demands raised included that the government not limit itself to inspections or assurances but provide actual help, conduct an objective survey of crops in the district and immediately declare a dry drought, give financial assistance to affected farmers, ensure crop insurance compensation is paid, and grant a moratorium on loan recovery. The march led to a crowd gathering near the collector's office for some time. Protesters also demanded that the government take swift action on farmers' demands and provide relief.

During the march, MNS district president Raju Patil Kidse addressed the farmers. He demanded that the government take the situation in Washim district seriously and act urgently. He warned that if the government does not take a concrete decision within eight days, MNS will take to the streets and launch an intense agitation over farmers' issues.

The march was joined by MNS office-bearers and workers along with a large number of farmers, including Karanja-Manora district vice-president Amol Lulekar, Risod-Malegaon deputy district president Atish Dahal, Washim-Mangrulpir deputy district president Umesh Tolmare, Krishi Sena district president Vitthal Bhau Rathod, Washim taluka president Vitthal Rathod, Mangrulpir taluka president Laxman Jadhav, Risod taluka president Yogesh, Manora taluka president Santosh Ghode, Malegaon taluka president Dnyaneshwar Gawali, Karanja city president Kapil Mahajan, Malegaon Krishi Sena taluka president Ravi Pawar, Washim city vice-president Gajanan Ingole and deputy city president Akash Lolap.