Pune: Thousands of farmers bade a tearful adieu to their veteran leader and former MP Sharad Joshi, whose mortal remains were consigned to flames with state honours in Pune on Tuesday.

Joshi (81), founder of 'Shetkari Sanghatana', who was credited with cementing the unity of the unorganised agriculturists in Maharashtra and other states, died of old age-related ailments here on Saturday. The cremation took place today after the arrival of his two daughters settled abroad.