Farmers from the Konkan region are set to hold a massive ‘Chalo Mumbai’ protest march on May 15 under the leadership of Raju Shetti, demanding higher compensation for losses suffered by mango and cashew growers due to adverse weather conditions.
According to farmer groups, changing weather patterns severely affected this year’s mango and cashew crop across Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri, Raigad, Palghar, and other Konkan districts, causing heavy financial losses to cultivators. Protesters are demanding compensation of INR 5 lakh per hectare for mango orchards and INR 3 lakh per hectare for cashew plantations.
Farmer organisations have alleged that the compensation announced by the government is inadequate and does not reflect the actual losses faced by orchard owners. Earlier, farmers had staged protests and road blockades on the Mumbai–Goa Highway at Nandgaon in Sindhudurg district, warning of a larger agitation if their demands were not met.
The upcoming march will begin from Girgaon Chowpatty in Mumbai and proceed towards ‘Varsha’, the official residence of the Chief Minister.
Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana leaders said thousands of farmers are expected to participate in the protest to press for immediate financial relief and long-term support measures for orchard growers.
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