Shetkari Sangathana launches 'Nirdhar Yatra' agitation

Kolhapur, Apr 19 (UNI) The Swabhimani Shetkari Sangathana launched a week-long farmers' agitation 'Nirdhar Yatra' here today to draw the Maharashtra government's attention towards farmers' pending demands.

The yatra, led by Sangathana's chief Raju Shetty, started from his home constituency Shirol in the district.

The agitators will march through various parts of the district and on May 1 will enter the city, where they will take out a 'morcha' to the district collectorate to press for their demands.

The Sanghtana's main demands include to press sugar factories to immediately release the second instalment of payment of Rs 380 to sugarcane growers and hike in payment to dairy farmers, Mr Shetty said.

Farmers had received the first instalment of Rs 900 per tonne as per the agreement. However, the mill owners have not released the second instalment to the cane growers so far. The agitation will continue till the farmers get their dues, he added.

UNI