Ahmednagar | Rayat Samachar
With the Kharif season approaching, complaints have emerged from several parts of the state that petrol pump operators are demanding a 7/12 land extract (land ownership record) from farmers before selling diesel. The issue has sparked strong anger among farmers, with concerns being raised that pre-Kharif farming preparations and agricultural activities may be disrupted.
Dr. Ajit Nawale, Secretary of the Maharashtra Rajya Kisan Sabha, strongly condemned the practice and demanded immediate government intervention. He stated that diesel is essential for pre-sowing land preparation, tractors, pumps, and other agricultural machinery, making such documentation requirements unfair to farmers.
According to Dr. Dr. Ajit Nawale, forcing farmers to show land ownership documents for diesel purchase during Kharif preparations is deeply concerning and could delay timely land preparation, potentially jeopardizing the entire farming season.
He also urged District Collector Dr. Pankaj Ashiya to intervene immediately and issue clear instructions to petrol pump operators. In addition, he called on the government to establish a special mechanism to ensure priority access to diesel, fertilizers, and seeds required for Kharif farming.
Meanwhile, rising fuel prices, fertilizer shortages, and weather uncertainty have already placed farmers under pressure. The emerging issue of diesel accessibility has added to concerns in rural areas, increasing anxiety among farming communities.
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