Farmers in India demand MGNREGA adjustments and drought relief

Farmers in different Indian regions are raising concerns regarding labor availability and economic relief. In the Theni district of Tamil Nadu, farmers have requested the suspension of MGNREGA activities during the agricultural season, arguing that the scheme reduces the availability of necessary farm labor. They also called for investigations into declining sugarcane cultivation and poor yields in mango orchards, as well as compensation for crop damage caused by wild boar attacks.

In Maharashtra’s Dharashiv district, the situation involves a demand for the activation of MGNREGA projects to combat unemployment caused by a failed Kharif season due to drought. The Shetkari Sangharsh Samiti has requested the state government to provide drought relief of 10,000 rupees per household and to initiate MGNREGA works, such as desilting tanks and deepening rivers, to provide immediate employment and prevent mass migration to cities.