Farmers' activists demand complete loan waiver in Mah

Nagpur, Aug 21 (UNI) Farmers' activists, associated with various organisations, have demanded complete waiver of all outstanding loans of farmers in Maharashtra and have threatened to launch an agitation over the issue.

Speaking to newsmen here yesterday, Raju Shetty, MLA and chief of the Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana, said it was decided to launch an agitation after a meeting of activists of various farmers' organisations here over the weekend.

The meeting was attended by representatives of various organisations like the Shetkari Sanghatana and the Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana, he said. The activists would meet here again on September 23 next to chalk out the further course of action, he said.

Mr Shetty said the meeting was held as the activists felt the need to revive the farmers' movement in view of the agrarian crisis in the state, especially Vidarbha, where a large number of debt-ridden farmers were committing suicide.

It had been decided to have collective leadership for the movement, he said, adding that a coordination committee, headed by former MLA Vasant Bonde, had been formed for the same.

In reply to a question, Mr Shetty said the effort to revive had the support of Shetkari Sanghatana chief and Rajya Sabha member Sharad Joshi. The farmers' movement was once a force to reckon with in Maharashtra, and its revival would help alleviate the suffering of farmers, he added.

UNI