Farmers threaten mega show of strength today

Aman Sood

Tribune News Service

Patiala, September 25

Farmer leaders, protesting at Mehmadpur grain market near here, today threatened to hold a mega show of strength tomorrow with members of farmers’ families expected to join the protest.

Thousands of farmers, meanwhile, continued to pour in at Mehmadpur as their protest against the state government entered into its fourth day.

“The government has directed bus operators not to ferry farmers to the protest site. In spite of the crackdown, hundreds of farmers from across the district are reaching Mehmadpur. We have made arrangements for them to reach the protest site,” a farmer leader said, adding unions were awaiting a nod from the district administration for a peaceful protest march in the city.

Farmers’ unions rejected the government’s waiver of up to Rs2 lakh as “peanuts”.

“We demand a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all crops according to the Swaminathan Commission report, land ownership rights to tenant cultivators and a permanent solution of the stray cattle menace,” said Kisan Sangharsh Committee leader Avtar Singh.

Prof MS Swaminathan, an agriculture scientist, has recommended crop prices at 50 per cent over and above the Minimum Support Price (MSP).

Leaders said they would continue with the protest till all their demands were met. “The government is yet to invite us for talks,” said union leader Jagmohan Singh.

No meters on farm tubewells, says CM 

Chandigarh: Accusing the Akalis of spreading false propaganda, CM Capt Amarinder Singh on Monday ruled out the installation of meters on farm tubewells. The power subsidy for farmers would continue. There is no question of withdrawing the subsidy or putting meters on tubewells, the CM said in a statement. During the June Assembly session, the CM had announced continuation of power subsidy for the agriculture sector. TNS

Debt claims another life 

Muktsar: A farmer of Ghumiara village in the Lambi constituency allegedly committed suicide by consuming poison. Jaswant Singh (45), who owned 3 acres, was under debt of Rs 6.5 lakh. He allegedly consumed poison at his fields on Thursday. He was taken to hospital in Bikaner, where he died on Sunday night. The police have started inquest proceedings. TNS