Swarajya Organisation Demands Action Against Exploitation of Maharashtra’s Farmers
Pune, 13th June 2024: Shockingly, Maharashtra currently lacks an Agriculture Commissioner, leaving farmers across the state in critical conditions. Yuvraj Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati, Chief of the Swarajya Organisation, has urgently called upon the Maharashtra State Government to take prompt action. He highlighted that farmers are being exploited, with little attention given to common farmers and the impoverished in rural areas.
Today, Swarajya Organisation Chief Yuvraj Sambhaji Raje Chhatrapati held a press conference in Pune, stating, “Our organization has initiated a helpline for farmers. We’ve received numerous complaints from farmers across Maharashtra that fertilizers, seeds, and urea are being sold at exorbitant prices. There are reports of artificial fertilizer shortages in some places.”
Raje continued, “In response, our party’s General Secretary, Dr. Dhananjay Jadhav, and colleagues visited fertilizer shops in Pune’s market yard and discovered a shocking reality. A sack that normally costs Rs. 266 is being sold for as much as Rs. 2800. We have documented this incident with video evidence and receipts. This exploitation, nearly three times the actual price, is extremely concerning.”
Raje explained, “Last month, Swarajya submitted a statement to the Agriculture Commissioner urging an immediate investigation into the sale of counterfeit fertilizers and seeds at inflated prices, and demanding strict actions against those responsible. However, the Agriculture Commissioner was transferred just two days later, leaving the state without a full-time commissioner.”
Yuvraj Sambhaji Raje Chhatrapati said, “Agriculture Minister Dhananjay Munde has provided a WhatsApp number for complaints, but citizens are reluctant to use it, doubting their grievances will be addressed. Instead of focusing on ground-level action amid widespread farmer exploitation, the Agriculture Minister is promoting this WhatsApp number on Facebook.”
He further said, “This approach is disappointing. The Agriculture Minister should engage directly with the people and tackle these issues head-on. Is the Agriculture Department turning a blind eye while farmers are systematically exploited across the state? Swarajya Organisation workers will monitor the situation across Maharashtra and demand strict actions against GST-related exploitation of farmers.”
“In many districts still recovering from last year’s drought, farmers have yet to receive insurance advances and funds. This situation demands immediate attention and action from the authorities,” said Raje.
