Farmers threaten to intensify agitation if demands not met

Ravi S.Singh

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, March 13

Farmers held a 'Kisan Panchayat' under the aegis of Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) on Tuesday here to press for acceptance of their demands and subsequently their delegation met Vice President Venkaiah Naidu.

The well-attended panchayat, presided over by BKU president Naresh Tikait, passed a resolution asking government to accept their list charter of 15 demands.

Bulk of the gathering was from Haryana, Punjab, western Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.

Addressing the panchayat, Tikait cautioned that the farmers will escalate their agitation across the country if the government did not accept the demands and ameliorate their condition.

He alleged the present government was apathetic to farmers and more attuned to money bags.

Farmers across the country are reeling under hardships and committing suicide on account of debt burden and lack of prices to their produce, Tikait said.

He alleged that the electoral promises made during the 2014 elections to fix MSP (minimum support price) ensuring profit margin, 50 per cent more than cost inputs as per recommendation of Swaminathan Commission recommendation have not been fulfilled.

Besides remunerative MSP computed on C2+50 formula and complete waiver of farmer debt, the other demands include MSP of all crops, long term interest free loans for agriculture and ban on GM crops.

Punjab general secretary of BKU, HS Lakowal, who was part of the delegation which met Naidu, said the latter assured to forward their memorandum to the Centre.

During the 30 minute-meeting, Naidu empathised with farmers' concerns.

Meanwhile, stepping up pressure on the government, the BKU asked its units to organised demonstrations at all districts headquarters on March 27.