More than 12,000 farmers who began a march from Igatpuri to Mumbai on Tuesday withdrew their protest in the evening after Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured them that the government would consider their demands and take steps to address their concerns.
The farmers, marching under the banner of the All-India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), had demanded immediate assistance for drought-affected agricultural communities, the release of pending crop insurance payments and a farm loan waiver. Carrying red flags, they proceeded along the Nashik–Mumbai highway before the march was called off following a meeting between their representatives and the chief minister.
AIKS leader Ajit Nawale, who led the delegation, called for reforms in the farm loan waiver policy, arguing that farmers who regularly repay their loans should also receive benefits under the scheme.
During the meeting, Fadnavis assured the delegation that the state government would extend assistance to farming families facing drought-related difficulties. He highlighted measures involving financial support, drinking water availability, fodder supplies and strengthening agricultural support systems.
Government to Review Farm Loan Incentives
The chief minister announced that pending instalments under the Namo Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi Yojana would be released to eligible farmers.
He also said the government would consider increasing the ₹50,000 incentive provided to farmers who regularly repay their crop loans. A ministerial group constituted to examine farm loan waivers will discuss the proposal, with a final decision to be taken after assessing the state’s financial position.
Fadnavis also directed the concerned department to examine the possibility of restoring the triggers previously used under the crop insurance scheme, addressing another key demand raised by the protesting farmers.
Other Welfare Measures Under Consideration
The meeting also covered pending payments under the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana. Fadnavis directed officials to expedite instalments for eligible women beneficiaries who have completed their electronic know-your-customer (e-KYC) verification.
The state government also expressed a positive view on a proposal to increase the monthly honorarium of school nutrition programme workers from ₹2,500 to ₹3,500. The proposed increase would provide an additional ₹1,000 per month to eligible workers.
Farmers Withdraw Protest Following Assurances
After the meeting, Nawale announced the decision to withdraw the march, citing the chief minister’s positive response to the delegation’s demands.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Ajit Pawar, along with Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, Girish Mahajan, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne and MLA Vinod Nikole.
The withdrawal of the march followed assurances on several issues affecting farmers and other beneficiary groups. Some proposals, including the increase in crop loan repayment incentives and the honorarium revision, remain subject to further consideration and government decisions.
