India, Oct. 27 -- Over 12,000 farmers began a march to Mumbai on Tuesday demanding immediate relief for drought-hit farmers, crop insurance payments, and loan waivers, under the banner of the Leftist All India Kisan Sabha. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis is expected to meet a delegation of farmers on Tuesday evening.

The farmers carrying red flags began their march from Igatpuri to Mumbai along the Nashik-Mumbai highway. They are demanding adequate financial assistance for drought-affected farmers, the immediate settlement of crop insurance claims and legal ownership rights for those cultivating forest land.

All India Kisan Sabha leader Ajit Nawale called for reform in the farm loan waiver policy. He argued that farmers who regularly r...