Beed Farmers Protest Over Crop Insurance, MSP

On Monday, hundreds of farmers, agricultural labourers, and workers staged a Rasta Roko at Nandur Cross Road in Beed tehsil, demanding guaranteed remunerative prices for farm produce, crop insurance payouts, and compensation for losses caused by heavy rain. The protest was organised by the United Kisan Morcha, New Delhi, and the Kisan Sangharsh Samiti.

The protesters were addressed by Sushila Morale and Prakash Bhansali, among others. Morale alleged that the Narendra Modi government had failed to fulfil its promise of providing farmers a remunerative price based on the cost of production plus 50% profit, made in the 2014 Lok Sabha election manifesto.

Farmers in Beed and several other districts of Maharashtra had suffered massive losses due to heavy rainfall in 2025, with agricultural land damaged and topsoil washed away, leaving thousands of farmers facing severe financial distress. Despite a government resolution issued on April 26, 2026, making a provision of ₹3.06 crore for affected farmers in Beed district, farmers were still awaiting the promised crop insurance compensation of ₹17,500 per hectare.

The protesters also criticised the proposed India-US free trade agreement, alleging that increased imports of agricultural commodities such as soybean and maize from the US could adversely affect Indian farmers. Morale demanded that the agreement be scrapped, stating that farmers were being pushed into helplessness by inadequate support.

The protesters raised issues concerning agricultural labourers and employment, with Morale stating that agriculture continues to be a major source of employment, but government policies were increasingly neglecting farmers and workers. She criticised the implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), alleging that changes made by the BJP-led government had adversely affected labourers.

The acquisition of agricultural land for infrastructure projects was also opposed, with Morale claiming that thousands of acres were being taken in the name of development and forcing affected families to relocate. The protesters also raised concerns over the availability of schools in rural areas.

The protest highlights the struggles faced by farmers in Maharashtra, who are demanding better support and compensation for their losses. The issue of crop insurance and remunerative prices has been a long-standing concern for farmers, who are seeking a more sustainable and equitable solution.

In the context of the proposed India-US free trade agreement, the protest also raises questions about the impact of increased imports on Indian farmers. The agreement has been criticised by many farmers' organisations, who argue that it could lead to a decline in domestic agricultural production and exacerbate the struggles faced by farmers.

The protest in Beed is a reminder of the need for the government to address the concerns of farmers and agricultural labourers, who are a crucial part of the country's economy. It is essential for the government to provide adequate support and compensation to farmers, ensuring that they receive remunerative prices for their produce and are protected from the risks of crop failure and other losses.

The issue of farmers' rights and welfare is a critical one, and it is essential for the government to take concrete steps to address the concerns of farmers and agricultural labourers. This includes providing better support for crop insurance, implementing policies that promote sustainable agriculture, and ensuring that farmers receive fair prices for their produce. Ultimately, the government must prioritize the welfare of farmers and agricultural labourers, who are the backbone of the country's economy.

The protest in Beed is a call to action, highlighting the need for the government to take immediate action to address the concerns of farmers and agricultural labourers. It is essential for the government to listen to the demands of farmers and take concrete steps to address their concerns, ensuring that they receive the support and compensation they deserve.