Farmers’ convention to be held in Mysuru on Farmers’ Day on Dec. 23

Federation of Karnataka Farmers’ Association and State Sugarcane Growers’ Association of Karnataka will celebrate the National Farmers’ Day by holding a State-level convention of farmers at Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) premises in Mysuru on December 23.

After addressing a meeting of farmers convened in Mysuru on Wednesday, farmers’ leader Kurubur Shanthakumar told reporters that the farmers’ convention to be held on the National Farmers’ Day will seek to draw the attention of the Centre and State government to the plight of the farming community and press for implementation of their demands.

The demand for a law guaranteeing minimum support price (MSP) for agricultural produce, and complete waiver of farm loans figure at the top of the list of demands put forth by the farmers’ bodies.

Among the other demands brought up by the farmers’ bodies is the need for a policy to reserve 20 per cent of government jobs to women marrying young farmers.

The demand for an incentive to women marrying farmers comes in the wake of reports that young eligible bachelors among the farmers are unable to secure matrimonial alliances.

The farmers are also demanding the government provide a monthly pension of ₹ 10,000 to farmers aged 60 years and above.

Mr. Shanthakumar urged the government to bring about changes in the agricultural loan policy so that loans are provided on the value of the land. He sought the abolition of CIBIL score and the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest (SARFAESI) Act. The SARFAESI Act is a law that allows financial institutions to recover loans by auctioning the properties of borrowers, who default on their loans.

Mr. Shanthakumar said the government should ensure adequate electricity supply to irrigation pumpsets during the day and abolish the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on agricultural equipment, fertilizers and pesticides besides curds, buttermilk, and related products.

The farmers’ bodies have also urged the government to bring in a strict law to stop the harassment by microfinance institutions, which extend loans to women’s associations.

Also, Mr. Shanthakumar said the criteria for fixing the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane should be the price in the agricultural field of the farmers. The government should also bring in a law to impose strict punishment to deter sugar factories from defrauding the farmers by showing low sugar yield from the sugarcane.

He also sought an action plan to remove silk from reservoirs and lakebeds to save water, forests, and environment.

Published - December 11, 2024 07:56 pm IST