When politics spills over to agri sector: Pulses, oilseed growers lose out to cane farmers in Maharashtra -Parthasarathi Biswas

Soyabean, which covers around 5.34 lh of area in the region, is being cultivated more recently, said Ashok Bhutada of the Kirti Group.

Of the 70 lakh hectares (lh) of cultivated area in Marathwada, sugarcane is grown over only 2 lh. In contrast, pulses and oilseeds have a bigger share, with farmers growing them over 11.37 lh and 13.11 lh respectively. The sugar sector in the state, however, has been the launchpad for a large number of senior leaders across political parties.

Issues pertaining to pulses and oilseeds growers have failed to feature either in the campaign of the ruling party or the opposition.

Please click here to read more.