State level joint convention of farmers at Ldh

Thu, Jan 17, 2013 at 4:09 PM
Convention criticized anti farmer Govt.Policies
Ludhiana: January 17,2013: With a demand for increase in the minimum support price (MSP) the state level joint convention of Kissan Sabhas held here at Ludhiana today decided to launch movement for their demands. The joint convention was organized by the Punjab Kissan Sabhas affiliated to CPI and CPI(M) , Bharti Kissan Union Ekta (Sidhupur) and All India Democratic Party.  The convention was addressed by Comrades Kulwant Singh (Ex MLA) President and Bhupinder Sambar General Secretary Punjab Kissan Sabha, Comrades Gurchetan Singh-President and Sukhminder Sekhon –General Secretary Kissan Sabha Punjab,  Kartar Singh Bowani, Giani Gurdev Singh Nihal Singhwala, Com Kamiker Singh Sekhon.                            

Various speakers at the convention criticized the anti farmer policies of the government at the centre and state for ignoring their demands which has led large number of suicides by the farmers throughout India,  including Punjab.  Kissans have to face huge losses every year due to natural calamities that affect their production which are many a time destroyed. But governments  do not have any policy for them in this regard to meet the loss.  They demanded that all loans given to small and medium farmers be waived off.  They further demanded that the MSP for wheat be fixed at Rs.1800 per quintal and an additional bonus of Rs. 150 be given to the farmers by the state govt. This has become essential due to increase in the input costs like, Diesel, electricity and fertilizers. More over there has been exorbitant rise in prices of essential commodities which the kissans have to use too.  They also demanded increase in the MSP of sugar cane which is higher in Haryana by 45 rupees. They also demanded that milk rate should be bought at the previous rates and not at the present reduced rates.   

The farmer organizations also warned of introduction of GM crops without safety audit. Such a move may lead to several problems for our food security and health in future. The farmer orgnaisations also supported the ongoing struggle of the Punjab Agricultural University Employee’s Union for release of arears. They further said that the Punjab government should increase the grant to PAU for the further research.Kartar Singh Bowani (94175 38005)