Hundreds of farmers across 23 districts of Maharashtra took part in a Statewide Jail Bharo agitation on Monday (August 10, 2026). The protest led by the Kisan Sabha demanded a ₹2 lakh incentive grant for farmers who paid their loans regularly, restoration of crop-insurance triggers, and land rights for farmers cultivating forest, Devasthan, Gairan, and Varkas land.

“Farmers want to know if it is sinful to pay loans regularly. The government should take note and provide a relief of ₹2 lakh to these borrowers,” said Dr. Ajit Navale, an All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) leader.

Three months ago, the Maharashtra Government announced the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Shetkari Karzmukti scheme. Along with a waiver of up to ₹2 lakh, farmers, who paid EMIs regularly were supposed to receive an incentive of ₹50,000, which farmers believe is unfair to them. In July, the State Government rolled out the scheme and listed the first 500 eligible beneficiaries from six districts. The scheme will benefit 56 lakh farmers and lead to the waiving of ₹36,585 crore in loans.

He also stated that the government should stop evictions from temple land and transfer ownership to farmers.

In all 23 districts, All India Kisan Sabha representatives including those from Thane-Palghar, Nashik, Ahilyanagar, Sangli, Kolhapur, Satara, Pune, Beed, Parbhani, Nanded, Wardha, Yavatmal, Amravati, Buldhana, and Nandurbar, submitted memorandums to the district collectors.

Mr. Navale also warned that if the government does not take cognisance of the protest, an indefinite Statewide Mahamukkam protest will be launched from the home of State Agriculture Minister Dattatreya Bharne on August 20. 

The movement across the State was led by Dr. Ashok Dhawale, J.P. Gavit, Dr. Ajit Navale, Umesh Deshmukh, MLA Vinod Nikolay, Kiran Gehla, Irfan Sheikh, Subhash Chaudhary, Uddhav Paul, Ajay Burande, Dr. Amol Waghmare, Sadashiv Sable, Yashwant Zade, Arjun Aade, Shankar Sidam, Kumar Moharampuri, Manik Aade, and others.

Published - August 10, 2026 10:27 pm IST