Maharashtra Farmers Begin Protest March From Thane To Mumbai

Swaraj Abhiyan activist Yogendra Yadav and conservationist Rajendra Singh are leading the march.

MUMBAI: Thousands of farmers and tribals began a two-day march from Thane to Mumbai on Wednesday, eight months after a similar protest that started from Nashik.

The farmers are demanding implementation of the Swaminathan Committee report, which suggested that farmers must have assured access and control over resources such as land and water.

Magsaysay award winner Dr Rajendra Singh, also known as Waterman of India, is among the marchers.They are also demanding an increase in the Minimum Support Price and a judicial system to ensure its implementation.

The agricultural sector is the most flourishing sector which generates a large number of employment opportunities for everyone.The participants are mostly from Thane, Bhusawal and Marathwada regions.

Farmers from various parts of Maharashtra came together for the two-day march.They also demanded that the land tilled by the Adivasi farmers be written off in their name under the Forest Rights Act (FRA).

Aam Aadmi Party leader Dhananjay Shinde has extended support to farmers’ agitation, saying the government needs to look at the ground reality of the farmers’ plight.

Meanwhile, other political parties, including the Janata Dal (Secular) and the Peasants and Workers Party (PWP), are also reportedly going to join the agitation.

On Nov. 18th, 2004 National Commission on Farmers was constituted chaired by Professor M.S. Swaminathan which was named as Swaminathan Commission.

Swaminathan Commission submitted in total five reports from 2004 to 2006 on recommendations to lay down few reformatory schemes for the betterment of farmer’s conditions along with a five-year plan.

The recommendations aimed at development and growth of farmers by focussing on key land reforms, irrigation reforms, sustained access to water, reform in banking norms and food security etc.

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