Farmers express disappointment over relief for agriculture sector

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, May 16

The All India Kisan Sabha and the Vegetable Growers Organisation (VGO) have expressed disappointment over the relief announced by the Centre for the agriculture sector. Farmer leaders said the government should waive off farm loans and decrease oil prices to help the sector.

Lakhbir Singh Nizampura of the VGO said: “Crude oil prices have decreased in the international market but the consumers in the country have not benefitted from the decrease as the government has not reduced the prices at a proportional rate.” He said diesel is used in agricultural machinery and contributes a major share of the input cost.

The farmer leaders said during the lockdown, agriculture sector has come to the rescue of people by ensuring uninterrupted supply of vegetables and milk. Partap Singh said: “While people are staying put at their homes, it is the farming community that is making sure that they get essentials.”

He said the government should implement the Swaminathan Commission report as it is the only long-run solution to the problems of the agriculture community.