Prices of vegetables rise, farmers call for bandh

Shortage of fresh supplies caused by farmers’ agitation led to an increase in the prices of vegetables in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra on Friday even as milk supply was disrupted. The vendors say if the strike that has entered second day continues, prices will increase further for want of sufficient supply.

Meanwhile, the farmers, agitating under the aegis of Kisan Kranti Morcha (KKM), have given a call for Maharashtra bandh, excluding Mumbai, on June 5. However, the essential commodities have been excluded from the proposed bandh. The decision in this regard was taken at the KKM’s core committee meeting held at Puntamba in Ahmednagar district. The farmers also decided to block the movement of BJP ministers, MPs and legislators in the state on June 6.  

Farmers in large number hit the road in various parts of the state to press their demands, including loan waiver. Functioning of wholesale markets and agricultural produce marketing committee was severely impacted due to lesser supply of fruits and vegetables. Similarly, farmers did not supply milk at the collection centres.

Meanwhile, the anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare has offered to hold talks on behalf of the agitating farmers with the state government.