Maharashtra farmers take to Award Wapsi, protest state's apathy towards drought-hit farmers

Award Wapsi season returned in Maharashtra as this year a farmers chose to protest the state government's apathy towards drought-affected farmers.

As per a leading English daily, Narayan Khadke, 78, followed the trend started by writers and artists, and returned 'Sheti Nishtha' award given to him in 1983 by the state. He was given the honour by the governor for best agricultural practices leading to an hike in productivity.

He protested against the state's 'insensitive approach' towards drought-affected farmers and its 'incapability' to put an end to farmers' suicide.

Khadke said that though several schemes for farmers' benefit have been announced their benefits have not reached the farmers. ". The government should be speaking to us about our problems, but when I realised no one wants to listen to a poor, debt-ridden farmer, I decided to return the award," he said.

Vithalrao Kale, a farmer from Karla village inLatur district too returned the 'Sheti Nishtha' award conferred to him in 2001/ He also returned the Rs 10,000 cheque that came withe award to the chief minister's relief fund.Sheti Nishtha' award conferred to him in 2001/ He also returned the Rs 10,000 cheque that came withe award to the chief minister's relief fund.