On Monday, farmers gathered outside the Latur district collectorate carrying pumpkins and carrots, using the vegetables as a symbolic protest against what they say is inadequate relief from the Maharashtra government.
They demanded immediate financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh per hectare to compensate for crop losses caused by the prolonged dry spell and deficient rainfall in the drought‑prone Marathwada region. The protestors also called for a special grant of Rs 2 lakh for regular borrowers, fresh crop loans, protection of CIBIL scores, fodder camps, drinking water facilities, and suspension of compulsory recovery of electricity bills and loans until the crisis eases.
On 26 September the state government declared drought in 265 of 358 talukas and announced a relief package that includes crop‑loan restructuring, concessions on land revenue, deferment of agricultural loan recovery and relief on electricity bills for agricultural pumps. It has directed district collectors to conduct crop‑loss assessments and activated Trigger‑1 under the drought management code, which is triggered by a rainfall deficit of more than 25 percent and a 21‑day dry spell.
The Krantikari Shetkari Sanghatana, led by state president Rajiv Kasbe, organised the protest and submitted a memorandum listing its demands. Protesters burned an effigy of the Government Resolution and warned that they would intensify their agitation if the government failed to take timely action. The organisation also sought to include Hatkanangale, Shirol and Shahuwadi talukas of Kolhapur district under Trigger‑1, citing damage to kharif crops.
