Maharashtra Farmers Rally in Mumbai, Secure Pledge of Action on Key Demands
Thousands of farmers from across Maharashtra gathered at Azad Maidan in Mumbai on Tuesday (July 21, 2026) for a state-level rally organised by the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS). The rally, which drew participants from various districts, was followed by a meeting between an AIKS delegation and two state ministers, where the farmers' primary concerns were discussed in detail.
The delegation met Agriculture Minister Dattatreya Bharne and Revenue Minister Chandrakant Bavanakule. Dr. Ajit Nawale, state secretary of AIKS, described the discussions as “positive.” The talks focused on three core issues: relief for regular loan defaulters, reforms in the crop insurance scheme, and land rights over Devasthan, Gairan, and house premises lands.
According to Dr. Nawale, the delegation sought an increase in incentive subsidies for regular loan defaulters, transfer of land ownership to farmers and labourers, and restoration of crop insurance triggers to previous levels. The farmers also demanded immediate compensation for crop damage caused by heavy rains and a halt to the termination of employees under the PESA (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act.
The rally was led by AIKS national president Dr. Ashok Dhawale, former state president and ex-MLA J.P. Gavit, state secretary Dr. Ajit Nawale, state president Umesh Deshmukh, and MLA Vinod Nikole. Veteran journalist P. Sainath, founder-editor of the People’s Archive of Rural India (PARI), addressed the gathering, providing guidance and emphasising the importance of documenting rural issues.
With Minister Bharne, the delegation specifically discussed provisions for regular loan defaulters, urging the government to expand the subsidy framework. With Minister Bavanakule, they held detailed deliberations on revenue issues and land rights, including the status of lands classified as Devasthan (temple), Gairan (grazing), and house premises. The ministers are understood to have assured the delegation that their demands would be examined sympathetically.
The delegation also expressed solidarity with the student-youth movement in Delhi and condemned the Union government's action against it, though this was not a primary focus of the meeting.
The rally had been organised to draw the state government's attention to the worsening agrarian crisis. Preparations began overnight, with farmers arriving from remote parts of Maharashtra. After the public gathering, the AIKS delegation proceeded to Mantralaya, the state secretariat, to submit a formal memorandum detailing their demands.
The event highlights ongoing concerns among Maharashtra's farming community over debt, inadequate insurance coverage, and insecure land tenure. The positive reception from the ministers has been cautiously welcomed by AIKS leaders, who said they would monitor follow-up action.
