Close to 300 chikoo farmers descended on the streets of Dahanu on Monday, to voice their dissent against the steep hike in crop insurance premium. They gathered at the prominent Tarpa Chowk, wearing face masks and maintaining a safe physical distance in view of Covid-19, and formed a human chain to protest the state government’s unfair decision.

The MVA government this year increased the premium of insurance under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana six-fold, but did not raise the cover. The hike dealt a massive blow to the finances of Dahanu farmers, who already struggling because of damage to their fruits caused by pollution and the cyclone, and the financial strain due to the pandemic. mid-day had highlighted the struggles of Dahanu’s chikoo farmers in a front-page story on Monday.