Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal on Thursday said the Congress will support an agitation led by farmer leader Raju Shetti over the plight of mango and cashew growers in the Konkan region, while accusing the BJP-led Mahayuti government of neglecting their concerns.
Sapkal demanded immediate financial assistance for farmers hit by climate-related losses, stating that declining yields and rising input costs have pushed cultivators into distress.
Climate Impact Hits Mango, Cashew Production
Sapkal said farmers cultivating mango and cashew in Konkan have suffered major losses due to adverse weather patterns linked to global warming. He noted that erratic climate conditions have significantly reduced production in recent seasons.
He alleged that despite the severity of the situation, the state government has failed to provide adequate relief, leaving farmers without meaningful support.
Congress Extends Support to Farmers’ Agitation
The Congress leader announced that party workers will participate in the agitation organised by Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana, which is raising demands for compensation and policy intervention.
Earlier in the day, Raju Shetti met Sapkal in Mumbai and briefed him about the proposed protest. Leaders from Shiv Sena (UBT) were also present during the meeting, indicating wider Opposition backing for the farmers’ cause.
Rising Costs, Low Compensation Worsen Crisis
Shetti highlighted the economic challenges faced by farmers, stating that the cost of maintaining a single mango graft is around Rs 3,800 to Rs 4,000 annually, while daily labour expenses are close to Rs 800.
In contrast, farmers are receiving compensation of only about Rs 200 per plant, which he described as grossly inadequate. He also alleged that insurance companies have failed to provide proper payouts, further aggravating the crisis.
Demand for Relief Through Government Funds
The farmers’ leader called for enhanced compensation through state government measures as well as support from the National Disaster Relief Fund. He stressed that immediate intervention is required to prevent further distress among cultivators.
A key meeting of farmers has been scheduled in Ratnagiri on April 18 to decide the next course of action.
Protest March Warning if Demands Ignored
Shetti warned that if the government does not respond, a large protest march will be organised in Mumbai, starting from Girgaum and heading towards the chief minister’s official residence, Varsha.
He also appealed to other political parties to extend support to the agitation, underscoring the seriousness of the issue.
Criticism of Infrastructure Project
Sapkal also criticised the proposed Shaktipeeth expressway project, alleging that it is being pushed to benefit select industrial interests rather than the public.
He said the Congress opposes the project, arguing that it lacks public demand and diverts attention from pressing issues such as farmers’ distress.
