Sapkal leads farmers’ march, says agri prices crashed after US trade deal

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Maharashtra Congress president Harshvardhan Sapkal on Monday alleged that prices of agricultural commodities in India have dropped since the country entered a trade agreement with the US."After the trade agreement with the US, prices of agricultural goods, including fruits, have crashed, inflicting severe financial pain on farmers," Sapkal said while leading the "Shetkari Sangharsh Padyatra" from Kalamnuri to Hingoli in Marathwada, a protest march against what he described as the Centre's anti‑farmer policies. He said the march aimed to draw attention to the hardships faced by farmers, farm workers, women, tribals and backward communities. The march, which began with tributes at the memorial of former MP Rajiv Satav, saw participation from party leaders, workers and farmers.Sapkal also criticised the proposed Wardhs-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway, alleging that its real purpose was to transport minerals from Gadchiroli to coastal ports rather than serve agricultural interests. "This expressway is a red carpet for big industrialists. When govt says it has no money to clear contractors' bills, pay salaries or even provide assistance to women beneficiaries, what is the need for an Rs 88,000-crore highway?" he asked.On rising LPG prices, Sapkal said Centre failed to pass on benefits when global crude prices fell, but increased the rates during supply disruptions. He urged govt to address these issues in Parliament.The march concluded with a public meeting in Hingoli.