The MVA has put forth a set of ambitious proposals aimed at transforming the agricultural landscape of Maharashtra. By focusing on financial security, infrastructure development, and long-term sustainability, the manifesto seeks to create a more supportive environment for farmers. Key commitments include ensuring Minimum Support Prices (MSP), simplifying crop insurance schemes, and investing in rural infrastructure. These measures are designed not only to alleviate the immediate financial burden on farmers but also to address the structural issues that have long hindered the agricultural sector in the state. With a focus on improving market access, offering financial relief to affected families, and promoting agricultural diversification, the MVA’s promises seek to lay the groundwork for a more resilient and thriving farming community in Maharashtra. These promises have been discussed in detail below:

Immediate relief for farmers: Debt waiver and loan repayment incentives

Maharashtra has one of the highest rates of farmer suicides in India, a tragic statistic that has often been linked to the crushing burden of agricultural debt. Farmers in the state are particularly vulnerable due to their reliance on monsoon-dependent crops, which often fail due to unpredictable weather patterns, such as droughts, floods, or delayed rainfall. In the face of these challenges, many farmers turn to loans from moneylenders, often with exorbitant interest rates, which further entrench them in debt.

The MVA’s promise to offer debt waivers of up to Rs. 3,00,000 to farmers is a direct response to this crisis. It is not just an economic relief measure but also a symbolic gesture aimed at restoring the dignity and financial viability of Maharashtra’s farmers. The debt waiver will enable farmers to break free from the cycle of indebtedness that has plagued them for years, providing them with the opportunity to rebuild their agricultural operations and reinvest in their future. Moreover, the Rs. 50,000 incentive for regular loan repayment serves as a proactive measure to encourage fiscal discipline and reduce future borrowing risks, creating a positive feedback loop for the state’s agricultural economy.

These promises are particularly important in light of Maharashtra’s history of poor loan recovery, which has often led to distress and contributed to the high rate of farmer suicides. By addressing both the immediate financial burden and incentivising responsible loan repayment, the MVA is taking a significant step toward reducing the root causes of farmer distress.

Support for families affected by farmer suicides

Maharashtra has long struggled with the devastating impact of farmer suicides. According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, the state consistently ranks high in terms of farmer suicide rates, a reflection of the profound emotional and financial toll these tragedies take on farming families. In many cases, farmers face not only economic ruin but also the societal stigma associated with failure. The families of those who commit suicide are often left to fend for themselves with little to no support from the government.

The MVA’s promise to review existing schemes and enhance support for widows and children of farmer suicide victims is an essential social welfare intervention. By providing financial support, education scholarships for children, and healthcare benefits, the MVA seeks to ensure that the families of deceased farmers do not fall into further poverty or despair. This initiative will go a long way in alleviating the long-term social and emotional impacts of farm-related suicides, offering a lifeline to those left behind in a community already struggling with poverty and uncertainty.

This promise is particularly relevant to Maharashtra’s rural landscape, where traditional social structures often fail to provide the necessary emotional or financial support for grieving families. It reflects an understanding of the need for not just material but also emotional security in the wake of such tragedies.

Minimum support prices and crop insurance reforms

Maharashtra’s farmers are often at the mercy of fluctuating market prices, which are heavily influenced by both domestic and global factors. Whether it’s cotton, onion, or sugarcane, price volatility has left many farmers struggling to break even. While the Minimum Support Price (MSP) mechanism exists to protect farmers from severe losses, it is often inadequate, especially for crops where procurement systems are weak or non-existent. For instance, onion farmers in Maharashtra have frequently faced crises when prices plummet, leaving them with losses as their produce rots in the fields.

The MVA’s commitment to ensuring MSP for farmers is critical in this context. By guaranteeing a minimum price for agricultural produce, the government is providing a safety net that helps protect farmers from market volatility. This policy is particularly relevant in Maharashtra, where crops like onions, tomatoes, and pulses are grown in abundance but often face unpredictable pricing in the open market. Farmers will no longer have to bear the brunt of market forces alone, which can be particularly devastating during periods of bumper harvests or price crashes.

In addition, simplifying the crop insurance scheme will ensure that farmers receive timely compensation for losses due to natural disasters. Maharashtra is no stranger to droughts and floods, and the complexity of the current crop insurance system often discourages farmers from opting into the scheme. By removing burdensome conditions and ensuring greater transparency, the MVA promises to make crop insurance more accessible, especially to smallholder farmers who are most vulnerable to the impact of climate change. This reform could significantly reduce the financial risks faced by farmers in the state, enabling them to recover faster from setbacks.

Sustainable farming: The ‘Maharashtra Millet Mission’ and environmental protection

Climate change has already had a visible impact on Maharashtra’s agriculture. Erratic rainfall patterns, long periods of drought, and rising temperatures have made traditional farming increasingly unviable in certain parts of the state. Crops like cotton, sugarcane, and rice, which are water-intensive, have faced lower yields due to these climatic changes, while farmers in drought-prone areas have struggled to make ends meet.

The MVA’s ‘Maharashtra Millet Mission’ is a timely and forward-thinking initiative. Millets, which are drought-resistant and require less water, can be a game-changer for the state’s farmers, particularly those in dryland areas. By promoting the cultivation of millets, the government aims to diversify crop production, reduce dependence on water-intensive crops, and ensure greater resilience to climate fluctuations. This mission also has the potential to boost local food security and create new markets for these nutritious crops, which have been largely neglected in India’s agricultural policies.

This initiative resonates with Maharashtra’s farming community, especially in districts like Marathwada and Vidarbha, which face recurring droughts and water scarcity. It provides farmers with an alternative that is both economically viable and ecologically sustainable, aligning with global trends towards more climate-resilient agriculture.

Milk prices and horticultural support: Securing livelihoods

Dairy farming is a vital part of Maharashtra’s agricultural economy, and milk is one of the state’s largest rural industries. However, dairy farmers have long faced issues such as fluctuating milk prices, poor infrastructure, and inadequate support for processing and marketing. The MVA’s promise to set milk prices annually, taking production costs into account, is a much-needed measure to stabilise this sector. By ensuring fair prices for dairy farmers, the government is addressing the core issue of income instability, which has long plagued this vital sector.

Similarly, the protection of onion and tomato cultivators through the ‘Pink and Saffron Revolutions’ is a targeted response to the challenges faced by farmers in Maharashtra’s horticulture sector. Onions, in particular, have been at the centre of several market crises in recent years, with price drops leading to massive losses for farmers. By ensuring better support for these crops, the MVA is seeking to secure the livelihoods of millions of farmers, particularly those in rural areas who depend on such crops for their income.

Infrastructure development: Connecting farmers to markets

Maharashtra’s rural areas face a significant infrastructure gap. Poor roads, inadequate storage facilities, and insufficient market linkages often result in farmers losing a substantial portion of their produce. The MVA’s promise to invest Rs. 10,000 crore in developing permanent, gravelled roads connecting farms to markets is a transformative policy. Improved road infrastructure will reduce transportation costs, cut down post-harvest losses, and enable farmers to reach distant markets more easily, thus ensuring better prices for their produce.

This promise directly addresses one of the most persistent issues faced by farmers in the state’s rural areas, particularly in the Marathwada and Vidarbha regions, where road connectivity is often poor, limiting market access and agricultural productivity.

Creating alternative employment opportunities

The promise to reduce the dependency on agriculture by creating alternative employment opportunities is a long-term vision aimed at transforming Maharashtra’s rural economy. Agriculture, though the mainstay of rural Maharashtra, is no longer a sustainable livelihood option for a growing population. With increasing mechanisation and declining profitability in certain sectors, many farmers are forced to abandon their lands in search of better opportunities in cities.

By creating new avenues for employment through skill development, industrial growth, and rural entrepreneurship, the MVA aims to ease the pressure on agriculture. This vision will not only reduce rural-urban migration but also diversify the income sources for rural families, leading to more balanced and equitable development across the state.

Unmet demands and growing discontent: The cotton vs. soybean price dilemma in Maharashtra

Maharashtra’s farmers are in the midst of an ongoing struggle against unfair prices for their produce, and this issue is becoming more prominent as the state heads toward its legislative elections. A particularly contentious point is the discrepancy in the assurances given to soybean farmers compared to cotton farmers.

As Vijay Jawandhiya from the Farmers’ Organization Paik has highlighted the said issue, while pointing out that both the Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress party have promised to buy soybeans at significantly higher prices than the current market rates—₹6000 per quintal from the BJP and ₹7000 per quintal from Congress—the same level of commitment is not being extended to cotton farmers. Cotton, a major crop in Maharashtra, especially in the Vidarbha region, has not seen similar price guarantees, despite the fact that the MSP (Minimum Support Price) for cotton is ₹7520 per quintal. Farmers are being forced to sell their cotton for ₹6000 to ₹6600, far below the MSP, and this disparity has been a source of growing discontent, as per Jawandhiya

As provided by Jawandhiya, “The contradiction becomes more apparent when we see that the BJP has assured a ₹6000 price for soybeans, which is 20% higher than the MSP of ₹4892. However, this same approach is not being extended to cotton, despite cotton’s MSP being ₹7520. Why is the BJP not offering ₹9000 for cotton, which would represent a similar 20% increase over the MSP? Similarly, why isn’t Congress offering ₹10500 per quintal, which would reflect a 40% premium over the MSP, as they have promised for soybeans?”

This stark difference in treatment for cotton and soybean farmers has raised questions about the government’s priorities and its sincerity in addressing the concerns of Maharashtra’s farmers. The government’s promises, while seemingly beneficial for soybean farmers, do not extend the same sense of urgency or commitment to cotton farmers, whose grievances have only intensified over the years. As cotton farmers continue to face price disparity, they are left wondering why the government is unwilling to offer the same level of support for their crop.

The discontent among farmers is palpable, and this growing frustration is starting to manifest in the political sphere. As the elections draw closer, the BJP’s assurances of a ₹6000 price for soybeans and the Congress’ ₹7000 offer are unlikely to satisfy the farmers who are still being forced to sell their cotton and soybeans for a fraction of the MSP. The discontent could become a pivotal factor in determining voter sentiments, as farmers in the state are realizing that the promises made by both parties fail to address the root issues of fair prices and proper market regulation.

In light of these growing concerns, it is clear that a larger movement is brewing in Maharashtra. As Vijay Jawandhiya from the Farmers’ Organization Paik aptly puts it, “After the elections, whichever government comes to power, farmers will have to stand up and create a massive movement; otherwise, this auction will continue.” He further echoes the words of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, urging farmers to “Learn, Organize, and Struggle.” These words can be deemed to be particularly resonant today, as Maharashtra’s farmers are grappling with unfulfilled promises and systemic neglect of their needs.

The imperative of comprehensive support for farmers

As the farmer movements continue to gain momentum, it is clear that the path forward requires not just political promises, but a comprehensive, long-term strategy to ensure that the state’s agricultural community is not left behind.

The MVA’s emphasis on infrastructure development, particularly the creation of gravelled roads connecting farms to markets, would significantly benefit cotton farmers by improving their access to competitive markets. Better road connectivity would reduce transportation costs and ensure that cotton farmers can sell their produce at fair prices, rather than relying on exploitative middlemen. The MVA also promises to invest in sustainable farming practices and crop diversification, helping cotton farmers in the long run by reducing their dependence on a single, vulnerable crop. This holistic approach not only addresses the immediate price concerns but also ensures that cotton farming becomes more resilient and economically viable in the future.

The MVA’s promises are grounded in the realities faced by Maharashtra’s farming community. From debt relief and MSP guarantees to long-term environmental sustainability measures, these promises are a response to the socio-economic struggles that have plagued the state’s agricultural sector. If implemented effectively, they could transform the rural landscape of Maharashtra, offering farmers not just a lifeline but a pathway to prosperity, stability, and dignity. This comprehensive approach, combining immediate relief with long-term reforms, holds the potential to reshape the future of Maharashtra’s agriculture and ensure that its farmers are not just surviving, but thriving.

It is also essential to note that the promises made by the political parties in Maharashtra, particularly the assurance of higher prices for soybeans, underscore the growing recognition of farmers’ struggles. However, the selective nature of these promises—favouring soybeans while overlooking cotton—raises critical questions about the government’s approach to addressing the full spectrum of agrarian distress. The issues faced by cotton farmers in the Vidarbha region are not just economic; they are a reflection of the systemic neglect of one of Maharashtra’s most crucial agricultural sectors.

As the elections approach, it is becoming clear that the promises made to soybean farmers are not enough to quell the growing discontent among the state’s broader agricultural community. The stark contrast between the treatment of soybean and cotton farmers highlights a pressing issue: if the government is willing to guarantee a premium price for one crop, why not do the same for others, particularly cotton, which is equally vital to the state’s economy?

The farmers of Maharashtra, who have long been subjected to exploitation by market forces, are no longer willing to accept empty assurances. The growing unrest and the call for a large-scale movement reflect a deep sense of betrayal, as farmers feel that their livelihoods continue to be undervalued. Whether the BJP, Congress, or any other party comes to power, the farmers’ struggle is unlikely to end until these fundamental issues—fair pricing, market regulation, and sustainable agricultural support—are genuinely addressed.

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Details of the promises made in the MVA manifesto are discussed below:

Financial independence and support for women

To promote financial independence, the MVA has promised to introduce the Mahalaxmi Scheme, offering a monthly allowance of Rs. 3,000 to women. This scheme is designed to provide consistent financial support to women, particularly those from economically disadvantaged sections of society. The allowance will help women manage household expenses, contribute to family income, and enhance their personal financial security. This is especially beneficial for women in rural and semi-urban areas, where access to employment opportunities and financial resources may be limited. Additionally, women will be eligible for six cooking gas cylinders annually at a subsidised rate of Rs. 500 each, significantly reducing the burden of fuel costs—a significant expense for many families. This initiative ensures that women can allocate their finances toward other essential needs, ultimately empowering them to have greater control over household economics.

In addition to this, the MVA promises free bus travel for women, which is a crucial step towards ensuring the mobility and freedom of women in Maharashtra. Public transportation is often a barrier to women’s participation in work and educational opportunities, particularly in rural areas. By removing this financial barrier, the MVA is making it easier for women to access markets, workplaces, schools, and healthcare facilities. Furthermore, the promise of one-time financial support of Rs. 1,00,000 for girls at the age of 18 is a vital initiative aimed at helping young women make their transition to adulthood with financial support. This one-time benefit will support young women in pursuing higher education, skill development, or other opportunities that can lead to economic independence.

Promoting women’s health and safety

The MVA’s manifesto places a strong emphasis on the health and safety of women and girls across Maharashtra. The introduction of the ‘Nirbhay Maharashtra’ policy and the ‘Shakti’ law demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting women and children from violence and ensuring their safety. The Nirbhay Maharashtra Policy aims to create a robust, multi-tiered system for preventing and responding to gender-based violence, with a focus on rural areas and quick response units for immediate action. The Shakti Law, on the other hand, strengthens legal frameworks to provide faster trials, harsher penalties for crimes against women and children, and dedicated victim support cells. Together, these initiatives promise a comprehensive approach to women’s safety, combining prevention, swift legal action, and social support, creating a state where women can live free from fear and violence. These policies aim to create a comprehensive legal framework that not only deters gender-based violence but also offers immediate support and protection to victims. The enforcement of the Shakti law will help strengthen the legal system to deal with crimes against women and children more swiftly and effectively. These initiatives are essential in making women feel safe in their homes, workplaces, and public spaces.

In addition to this, the promise of provided free cervical cancer vaccines for girls aged 9 to 16 is a landmark health initiative that targets one of the leading causes of cancer among women in India. This preventive measure will help reduce the incidence of cervical cancer in Maharashtra by providing free access to the HPV vaccine, particularly benefiting girls from underprivileged backgrounds who may otherwise not have access to this vaccine. Additionally, the MVA government promises two optional leave days for female employees during menstruation. This progressive policy acknowledges the health challenges that menstruation can cause, providing women with the time and space to rest without the worry of losing income or job security. It sets a precedent for gender-sensitive workplace policies that prioritise the well-being of women employees.

Further, the plan to establish safe, clean, and accessible public restrooms for women addresses a long-standing issue, particularly in urban areas. Safe and hygienic public toilets are essential for women’s dignity and health, especially when they are out in public spaces. This initiative will improve access to sanitation and ensure that women feel more comfortable and secure in public spaces.

Empowerment through education, employment, and skill development

The MVA’s initiatives also focus on empowering women through education, skill development, and employment opportunities. A key proposal is the introduction of self-defence lessons, which will be provided to young girls as part of the school curriculum. These lessons will equip girls with the physical and mental tools they need to protect themselves in situations of danger, contributing to greater self-confidence and security. Additionally, the establishment of a separate department for the empowerment of self-help groups (SHGs) is a significant step toward fostering leadership skills and economic independence for rural women. SHGs have been effective in empowering women by enabling them to pool resources, share knowledge, and engage in income-generating activities. The department will help expand the reach of these groups, provide them with market access for their products, and create opportunities for women to take on leadership roles in their communities.

The MVA’s commitment to building hostels for girls in each taluka is another important step toward ensuring that girls from rural and underserved areas can pursue education without worrying about accommodation. For many rural families, sending girls to distant schools or colleges is a challenge due to the lack of safe and affordable lodging options. By building hostels in each taluka, the MVA will provide a safe, convenient, and cost-effective solution, ensuring that young women have equal access to education, regardless of their geographical location.

Additionally, the MVA promises the formation of a dedicated Ministry for Child Welfare, which will focus on the holistic development and protection of children, particularly girls. This ministry will prioritise issues like access to quality education, health services, and protection from abuse, while also addressing the needs of children in vulnerable situations.

Equal pay and respect for women’s rights

The MVA government has committed to addressing economic disparities by pushing for equal pay for men and women in the unorganised rural sector. Women in this sector, particularly in agriculture and small-scale industries, are often paid significantly less than their male counterparts for the same work. By enforcing equal pay laws, the MVA aims to ensure that women are compensated fairly for their contributions, which will help reduce the gender wage gap in rural areas and foster greater economic equity.

The manifesto also includes measures to ensure that widows are treated with dignity and respect. Laws will be enacted to prevent forced adherence to harmful practices imposed on widows, such as social ostracism or forced isolation. These laws will protect widows’ rights and ensure that they are treated with respect and provided opportunities for economic empowerment. Additionally, the MVA aims to prioritise employment for widows and single women, creating targeted schemes to help them gain financial independence and reintegrate into the workforce.

To support women who have left the workforce due to family or personal reasons, the MVA promises to create special schemes to help them re-enter the workforce. These schemes will provide women with the necessary training, resources, and job placement opportunities to restart their careers and contribute to national progress.

Establishing safe and inclusive communities for all

The MVA government’s vision also includes the development of safe cities for vulnerable populations, including women, children, senior citizens, and people with disabilities. This initiative will focus on improving urban planning, infrastructure, and law enforcement to create safer public spaces, enhance accessibility, and provide protection to marginalised groups. This initiative reflects the MVA’s broader goal of fostering inclusive communities where everyone, regardless of gender, age, or ability, can live with dignity and safety.

The government also plans to regularly update the women’s policy every three years, ensuring that it remains responsive to the evolving needs of women in Maharashtra. This adaptability is crucial in ensuring that the policy stays relevant and effective in addressing the challenges that women face, particularly in rapidly changing social and economic landscapes.

MVA’s aim to build a Maharashtra where women thrive

The MVA’s manifesto for women reflects a comprehensive, forward-looking vision that places women’s health, safety, financial independence, and empowerment at the center of Maharashtra’s development. These initiatives aim to build a Maharashtra where women can move freely, access equal opportunities, and lead empowered lives. By addressing the multifaceted needs of women, this manifesto demonstrates a commitment to gender equality and the belief that women’s empowerment is essential for Maharashtra’s progress as a whole. With these reforms, Maharashtra has the potential to become a leader in gender equality, setting an example for other states in creating a just and inclusive society.

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The post MVA’s bold promise: A transformative vision for women’s empowerment in Maharashtra appeared first on SabrangIndia.