Implement Swaminathan report in toto: Anaspure

There will be a positive change in the lives of farmers' only if the Maharashtra government implements the MS Swaminathan report in "toto", noted Marathi actor Makarand Anaspure said today.
"If the farmers are to survive then they should get more than what they have invested and these suggestions have been made in the Swaminathan committee report which the state should implement in toto and without any hesitation," Anaspure told reporters here.
He was addressing a news conference for the launch of week-long 'Dhanya Mahotsav' here from May 1. The mahotsav (festival) is being held by an organisation named Sanskar floated by Thane MLA Sanjay Kelkar.

Anaspure along with another movie actor Nana Patekar started the Naam Foundation, a non-government organisation, which works for the betterment of farmers in the drought prone regions of Marathwada and Vidarbha.
The duo appealed to the citizens to lend a helping hand to the farmers in the state especially to those hailing from Marathwada and Vidarbha.
"We do not see any trader committing suicide it is only the farmer who commits suicide. It is our duty to reach out to them and help them lead a peaceful life," said Anaspure.

"Previously it was the drought which haunted the farmers but now it is absence of proper market for their produce and the support price.

"The agri produce that was once sold for Rs 20,000 per quintal is now sold for just Rs 3 to 5 thousand thus pushing farmers into a severe financial crisis," said Anaspure.
"Merely waiving loans will not suffice... What is needed is a permanent solution and this will be possible only if they (farmers) are given a support price for their products," he said.
Anaspure also blamed rampant corruption in the administration for the present situation of farmers.
"The government should severely punish the corrupt officials so that it acts as a deterrent for others. It will also send a strong message in the society," said Anaspure.

He hoped that citizens of Thane will support farmers by purchasing their produce during the Dhanya festival.
Around 400 farmers will put up stalls, where grains would be sold at discounted price, he said.
Naam has taken the responsibility of transporting the agri produce to Thane, said Anaspure.
The agricultural institutes should make available their innovative products to the farmers instead of giving it to corporates and big companies, Anaspure urged.