Watch video 'We will not step back now'

On February 20, 2019, farmers from villages across Maharashtra gathered in Nashik city to embark on a march to Mumbai. In Dindori village of Nashik district, as well as in other villages, the protesters had prepared weeks in advance for the march. They had pooled grains and collected large vessels for cooking, drums to store water, wood for cooking, and tarpaulin sheets and mattresses to sleep on.

From Dindori village, the farmers reached Dhakambe toll naka , 13 kilometres away, by tempo, shared autos and two-wheelers. More farmers started gathering from Nirgude Karanjali, Bhedamal, Tilbhat, Shindwad and other villages. They had come  from Dahanu, Nashik, Palghar and Thane districts, as well as some from Marathwada and other parts of Maharashtra. Then they all started marching toward the central bus depot in Nashik, where more farmers were pouring in from other districts.

Watch video: ‘We were assured that our demands will be met…’

On February 21, 2019, farmers began marching from the bus depot in Nashik, and reached Vilholi village, after walking for 11 kilometres, at around 2:30 pm. The march was called off late that night after a long meeting between representatives of the government of Maharashtra, and leaders of the All India Kisan Sabha, the organisers of the march. The government has once again promised to meet all the demands of the farmers.

Text Editor : Sharmila Joshi

Sharmila Joshi is former Executive Editor, People's Archive of Rural India, and a writer and occasional teacher.

Other stories by Sharmila Joshi