Farmers firm on protest at Fadnavis' Nagpur home on Nov 30

"Unconvinced" by the assurance given by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on resolving issues facing farmers, Shetkari Sanghatana today decided to go ahead with its plan to hold a sit-in outside his residence at Dharampeth here on Sunday.
During an hour-long talks with a delegation led by Sanghatna leader Sharad Joshi at Fadnavis' official residence 'Ramgiri' here, the latter assured them that power supply of farmers whose dues are outstanding will not be disconnected.
"Farmers from drought-hit Vidarbha and Marathwada regions would be provided with five HP solar pumps and about five lakhs such solar pumps would be installed in the first phase.

"These solar pumps are being installed by reputed companies who will also provide five to seven years servicing after installation," an official release quoted Fadnavis as saying.
The Sanghatna had announced holding of the agitation outside the CM's residence, who hails from Nagpur, to highlight the "plight" of farmers in the state.
Fadnavis told the delegation that he would take up the issue of inadequate prices of cotton, soybean and paddy and that of drought-like situation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 7 in New Delhi.

Joshi explained to Fadnavis the gravity of prevailing agriculture situation and mounting crop losses due to adverse weather conditions besides low rates being offered through the minimum support price fixed by government.

"Sanghatana is however not satisfied with the talks and assurance and has decided to go ahead with its plan to (hold) a sit-in agitation in front of Fadnavis' house," Joshi told reporters after emerging from meeting with the CM.
About 5000 farmers would participate in the sit-in, Joshi said, adding that demands for a total waiver of loan and power bills are not accepted by the CM.
Huge crop losses during the kharif season have caused a fresh bout of distress among farmers which has reflected in a spurt in incidents of suicides by them in last month or so, he claimed.

Joshi was accompanied by former legislators Wamanrao Chatap, Saroj Kashikar, Gunwant Patil, Ram Newale, Shaila Deshpande and Dinesh Sharma.