NAGPUR, Dec 9: The Maharashtra unit of Shetkari Sanghatana will launch a state-wide Rasta Roko agitation from December 12 to demand a better deal for the cotton-growers.

The Sanghatana's state unit President Shankarrao Dhondge said at a press conference on Monday that farmers are on the verge of starvation. They have been ill-treated by nature and neglected by the government. Dhondge said that farmers had faced a severe water shortage because of deficient rains. Late sowing had resulted in a reduction in the yield. Finally, just when they thought they had put the crisis behind them, heavy unseasonal rains had played havoc with standing and harvested crops.

Moreover, he continued, the state government was refusing to enhance the prices paid to them under the monopoly cotton purchase scheme. The Sena-BJP government had maintained the price per quintal at Rs 2,100. In the open markets of neighbouring states, the prices were above Rs 2,500 per quintal, Dhondge observed, but the farmers were unable to sell their stocks outside. Over the years, costs of production and other overheads had escalated. However, prices had remained low, straining farmer's resources to the limit, Dhondge said.

The Sanghatana has demanded that the purchase price be increased to Rs 2,500 per quintal, that the first instalment of the payment be Rs 1,850, that deductions be made from the remaining amount and that the improper system of grading stocks be withdrawn.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.