लोकमत : महाराष्ट्रीयन ऑफ द इअर २०११

Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana, (SSS) based in sugar rich Kolhapur Distict of Maharashtra has emerged as the organized voice of farming community of the state. Founded by Raju Shetti, who has sharpened his passion for farmers in the grooming by Shetkari Sanghatana (Sharad Joshi) for several years, this organization has occupied a center stage in Maharashtra politics today.
 Ever since its establishment after split from Shetkari Sanghatana in 2004, the names Raju Shetti and Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana, (SSS) have become synonymous with the cause of farmers. The alliance with Rayat Sangha in Karnataka and extraordinary support by the media and non government organizations has catapulted SSS and Raju Shetti on national platform as well. The outfit which has only single MLA in the house of 288, has forced the government to give several rupees a ton for sugarcane. Which has also led to cabinet meetings on the issues of farmers. SSS is a 3 year old organization which has sent ripples in the bastions of sugar barons and made them raise the sugarcane price from pittance to about Rs. 1300.The outfit which has only single MLA in the house of 288, has forced the government to give several rupees a ton for sugarcane. Which has also led to cabinet meetings on the issues of farmers.