“No matter how much pressure the government puts, Jal Samadhi will protest, in the Arabian Sea to get justice for the farmers.”

Swabhimani Farmers' Association leader Ravikant Tupkar roared and the thousands of Soybean and Cotton farmers of Buldhana barged in Mumbai last night to get Jal Samadhi in Arabian Sea. Sensing the danger, the Government called Mr. Ravindra Tupakar and their delegation to discuss on their demands. After having assurance  from Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Devendra Fadanvis to fulfill all the demands of these protesters, the protest has been withdrawn.



What are the demands of Soyabean – Cotton Farmers?

Ø 50,000 per hectare should be given to the farmers.

Ø Soybean (DOC) should be encouraged so that the price of soybeans should be at least Rs. 8,700 and cotton at Rs. 12,700.

Ø This year, 15 lakh metric tons of soybean meal should be exported. The ban on soybean futures market should be lifted.

Ø The import duty on edible oils should be 30%, the import duty on cotton should be kept at 11% as before.

Ø Cotton and yarn should be encouraged.

Ø The CIBL condition should be canceled for crop loans.

Ø Electricity should be provided to farmers during the day.

Ø The loans of women self-help groups should be waived.

Ø The subsidy amount of farmers should not be converted into loans.

Ø The shepherds should be provided with grazing area.

Chief Minister Ekanath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadanvis assured that they will fulfill most of the demands at the state level immediately and follow up the Central Government regarding the demands related to Central. The CM and DCM also promised to hold a delegation meeting with Union Commerce Minister Mr. Piyush Goyal and have a discussion on the Soyabean – Cotton issue.

The Protester’s delegation was invited in Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai at 2:30 PM. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Agriculture Minister Abdul Sattar, Cooperation Minister Atul Save Agriculture Secretary Eknath Dawle along with the chief officials of various departments attended the meeting. This delegation included Damodar Ingole Dr. Dnyaneshwar Tale, Amol Raut, Amol Hipparge, Ananta Mankar etc.