The suggestion had been appreciated by the PM as “laudable”. But some in the Government did not find it “practical” as it might attract dissent from farmers who won’t agree to the conditions.

Also on the agenda could be incentives for the textile and other firms roped in to draw up contracts with farmers in the region. Another idea is for the Government to bear the management cost that the firms would be required to incur for coming to Vidarbha and buying the produce.

Using the new Warehousing Act passed by the Centre to good effect in the state could be another idea to be discussed at the meeting. The Act provides for allowing the farmers to keep their produce in the godowns. By producing the godown receipt, they would be able to get loans from banks at nominal interest rates against a pledge to sustain themselves till they could actually decide to sell off their produce when the markets offer best price.