Maharashtra farmers who were protesting by marching to Mumbai have stopped

Maharashtra farmers have ended their protest, according to NDTV, a day after Chief Minister Eknath Shinde told the state Assembly that the Maharashtra government has accepted the majority of the demands made by farmers who are marching from Nashik to Mumbai and that onion cultivators will receive financial relief of Rs 350 per quintal.

The 200-km "long march," which is being led by CPI leader and former Legislator Jiva Pandu Gavit, made the announcement today.

According to earlier PTI reports, the march by hundreds of farmers and tribals, which began on foot on Sunday in Dindori town in the Nashik district of North Maharashtra, has reached Vasind town, around 80 kilometres from Mumbai. The chief minister told the House that he had spoken with a group of farmers about 14 issues, including forest rights, the encroachment of forest land, the transfer of property owned by temple trusts, and the use of grazing grounds for cultivation by cultivators.

A cabinet subcommittee would be established, according to Shinde, to oversee appeals and claims on the need for forest property up to four hectares in size that growers already own. In a month, the group will draught a report.

According to Shinde, the group would keep an eye on farmers' unresolved claims under the Forest Rights Act. Former Lawmaker Jeeva Pandu Gavit and current MLA Vinod Nikole, both members of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), will also serve on the committee.

According to the chief minister, the farmers' protest was not political in character and they had legitimate requests.