Karnataka - Belgaum   

Concern over effects of WTO regulations on agriculture

By Our Staff Correspondent

BELGAUM, MARCH 30. The Bharat Krishik Samaj has expressed concern over the threat posed by the WTO regime to the agriculture sector, and its direct and indirect implications on the agrarian economy of the country. The samaj has sought efficient counter-measures to sustain agriculture on a progressive basis in the country.

The Government has the responsibility to protect farmers from the WTO regime where there is no level playing field between a developing country such as India and developed nations, Lingraj Patil, Vice-President of the samaj said.

He was talking to presspersons to highlight the objectives of the two-day conference of the samaj to be held at Indira Gandhi Glass House in Hubli on April 2 and 3.

The national council member of the samaj, Murgesh Shivapuji, was present.

Drought conditions

Drawing attention to the consecutive years of drought in the country, and the falling level of surface water sources and the water-table, he said that it is alarming that more than 70 per cent of borewells in the country have gone dry.

He said that the frequent droughts and the increasing cost of cultivation has pushed small and marginal farmers into debt.

Meetings

As a prelude to the conference, nearly 50 State-level meetings of the samaj have been held to discuss and identify major issues and problems confronting agriculture and towards the preparation of a common memorandum that will be submitted to the Centre.

The major demands of the farmers include the waiver of interest on all farm loans, amendment of the crop insurance policy making the village as a unit of measure rather than a hobli, and a uniform agricultural policy for the country as there is no clear and uniform policy for the sector.

Water conservation

He said that a mass movement for implementing programmes on water conservation must be initiated immediately.

He added that the all commercial banks must bring down lending rates to the agriculture sector to 6 per cent.

The State Government has already committed to reducing interest rates and it needs to be complimented.

Mr. Shivapuji said that the Centre must evolve a scientific pricing mechanism for farm produce, ensure regular and good quality power supply to irrigation pumpsets to benefit farmers.

The samaj has decided to launch a 21-day campaign in the district from May 21 to create awareness among the urban and rural people.

Mr. Patil said the national conference will be inaugurated on April 2 by the President of the samaj, Balram Jakhar.

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Concern over effects of WTO regulations on agriculture

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