Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Farmers across the Marathwada region of Maharashtra are facing an agrarian crisis even before the start of the kharif sowing season. An acute shortage of diesel, frequent increases in fuel prices, and rising mechanisation costs have severely disrupted essential pre-sowing activities. This situation stands in sharp contrast to official claims that there is no fuel scarcity.
Diesel Shortage Affects All Eight Districts
In all eight districts of Marathwada — Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Parbhani, Latur, Beed, Nanded, Jalna, Hingoli, and Dharashiv — farmers have reported long queues at petrol pumps and an irregular supply of diesel. This has severely impacted pre-sowing operations such as ploughing, rotavator work, and land preparation. The latest diesel price hike, which is the fourth in just ten days, has further escalated the costs for farmers.
Farmers Term It a 'Manmade Disaster'
Rajan Kshirsagar, the president of the All India Kisan Sabha, described the situation as a 'manmade disaster'. He stated, "The Union government's foreign policy is responsible for this crisis. Now, the heat is reaching the grassroots, including farmers in the remotest parts of the country."
Heavy Dependence on Diesel-Powered Machinery
With traditional bullock-driven farming now largely obsolete, agriculture in Marathwada has become heavily dependent on diesel-powered machinery like tractors. Farmers have pointed out that this dependence makes them especially vulnerable to fuel shortages. Tractor operators, citing rising diesel costs and supply issues, have significantly increased their rates.
In Hingoli district, soybean farmer Shivaji Kendre said, "Tilling charges have surged from around Rs 1,000 per acre last season to between Rs 1,500 and Rs 1,800 now."
Other farm operations have also become costlier. Farmer Tukaram Wagh explained, "Ploughing charges, which were about Rs 1,800 per acre last year, have crossed Rs 2,300 in many villages. Rotavator charges have risen from about Rs 600 to Rs 900 per acre, while secondary tilling costs have increased from Rs 800 to nearly Rs 1,200 in some talukas."
JCB operators involved in farm-related tasks such as land levelling, pipeline digging, and bund strengthening have also raised their rates by Rs 500 to Rs 800 per acre.
Impact on Farmers' Time and Finances
Farmer leader Deepak Joshi said, "The diesel shortage is forcing farmers to spend hours, or even entire nights, waiting for fuel, and then negotiating higher machinery costs. This comes at a time when rainfall forecasts remain uncertain and fertiliser prices are already high."
Particularly Severe in Parbhani District
The crisis has been especially severe in Parbhani district. In Manwat taluka, tensions over fuel scarcity recently led to a violent clash at a petrol pump, which briefly disrupted fuel distribution.
Lack of Clarity on Farm Credit and Loan Waivers
Farmers have also raised concerns about the lack of clarity regarding farm credit and loan waivers. Despite earlier assurances that relief measures would be implemented before the kharif season, many banks have yet to begin fresh credit disbursal or provide details on loan restructuring. "We are still waiting for clarity," said farmer Balu Shinde from Warudi village.
Potential Impact on Kharif Output
Agricultural economists have warned that if the diesel shortage continues for the next few weeks, it could significantly impact kharif output. Marathwada, which is already prone to erratic rainfall and drought-like conditions, relies heavily on timely mechanised farming during the sowing window. An agriculture expert noted, "Even a delay of one to two weeks in land preparation could adversely affect sowing schedules and crop yields in the rain-fed regions."
