Miffed farmers warn of indefinite hunger strike

NASHIK: Onion farmers have warned of indefinite hunger strike from September 27 if the state government fails to give them grant of Rs 500 per quintal.
Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana on Sunday said it would go on indefinite strike from Tuesday in front of the district collectorate to protest the government's failure to support the onion farmers, who are incurring losses due to decline in prices.
The wholesale onion prices have crashed to Rs 325 per quintal at the district Agriculture Produce Market Committees (APMCs). The state government has announced grant of Rs 100 per quintal for the farmers who sold onions in APMCs between July 1 to August 31.
Govind Pagar, district president, Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana said, "The government grant of Rs 100 per quintal is inadequate. Hence, we have decided to go on indefinite hunger strike from Tuesday. We want Rs 500 per quintal grant for all farmers who sold their produce from April 1 till date. We also want the government to introduce MSP of Rs 1,950 per quintal."