The key lieutenants of Shetkari Sanghatana leader the late Sharad Joshi have launched a new farmers’ movement called ‘Kisanputra Andolan’ to raise their voice against the increasing number of farmers suicides in the state. The andolan, which held its first meeting at Ambajogai in drought-affected Beed district recently, will launch a 47-day long ‘Bedi Todo’ (break the shackles) motorcycle rally in Maharashtra from August 15 to October 2, “to highlight the plight of farmers”.

The rally will traverse through Nagpur, Amravati, Akola, Jalna, Aurangabad, Ahmednagar and Nashik, said its leaders Amar Habib and Achyut Gangane. These regions have seen the most number of farmer suicides in the last few years. Especially, Marathwada is witnessing more and more suicides due to farm distress.

“We appeal to children of farmers to spare at least three days to participate in the rally, which is for a just cause,” Mr Habib and Mr Gangane, who worked with Joshi since the early days of the Sanghatna, said.

“The Kisanputra Andolan has been formed to take forward the battle waged under Joshi’s leadership,” Mr Gangane said. The families of farmers are giving up on their traditional profession due to heavy losses and also seen migrating to cities to earn livelihood.

“New parties assume power but the government’s anti-farmer policies don’t change,” Mr Habib alleged, adding legislations on land acquisition, ceiling and essential commodities have been made in a way, which is detrimental to farmers’ interests.

“We have also started a relief fund for farmers widows. The objective is to render financial aid to families of farmers who have committed suicide,” Mr Habib said.

Sharad Joshi had committed his life to the cause of the farmers. He had fought for the problems of farmers giving up his high profile job. He even trained many from among farmers who are now taking the battle to the next level.