The Hindu : Karnataka News : Farm policy needs changes, says Deve Gowda

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Dec 30, 2004

Karnataka

Karnataka - Others

Farm policy needs changes, says Deve Gowda

By Our Correspondent

CHIKMAGALUR, DEC. 29. The Janata Dal (Secular) President and former Prime Minister, H.D. Deve Gowda, has stressed the need for comprehensive changes to the agriculture policy to overcome the problems being faced by the sector.

Inaugurating a farmers' convention here today, Mr. Deve Gowda said that there is no easy solution to the problems being faced by the agricultural sector, which is disorganised.

He regretted that city dwellers do not have a complete picture of rural India.

Pointing out that problems are not restricted to a particular crop or region, he said the farmers' interests should be strengthened in order to reduce the economic disparity between urban and rural dwellers.

Stating that farmers all over the country are committing suicide, the former Prime Minister said that wide-ranging discussions should be held from lending policy to the marketing of agricultural produce.

A comprehensive insurance policy for all crops should be introduced, he said.

Calling upon farmers to intensify their struggle, he warned that the economic policies the country is pursuing will lead to grave danger.

C.T. Ravi and S.L. Dharme Gowda, MLAs, and D.M. Putte Gowda, MLC, spoke. K.S. Malle Gowda, former MP, delivered the keynote address.

Sachidevi Sudhakar welcomed the gathering, and H.R. Harish proposed a vote of thanks.

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