Sharad Pawar demands higher prices for farm produce in coming season

The opposition NCP on Saturday threatened to hit the streets if farmers did not receive higher prices for farm produce in the coming Kharif season.

"The current drought is one of the worst Maharashtra has witnessed. To provide relief to farmers, the Centre and the state should come forward and waive farmers' debts, interest amount and ensure that they receive good price for agricultural produce. Otherwise we will hit the streets with our demands," NCP chief Sharad Pawar said.

The former union agriculture minister who is on a three-day visit to the scarcity-hit areas in Marathwada regions was talking to reporters at Chitegaon village in Aurangabad district. "It does not seem that the present government is interested in helping farmers. They seem to be more concerned about industrialists and urban areas," he said. 

"The policy of the government seems to be that it is fine if farmers do not receive good price for produce, but there should be no increase in prices (of foodgrains and vegetables) in urban areas," Pawar said. 

Also Read: Lunch with Sharad Pawar, farmers rally in Baramati part of PM Modi's Maharashtra tour