The Hindu : National : Elders for debate on farmers' plight

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Thursday, Aug 03, 2006

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National

Elders for debate on farmers' plight

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Cutting across party lines, Rajya Sabha members on Wednesday expressed concern over the low raise in the minimum support price (MSP) of paddy for this kharif. They demanded a "structured" debate on the farmers' plight in view of the non-remunerative returns for their produce and continuing suicides.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Tarlochan Singh (independent) said the increase of Rs. 10 a quintal in the MSP was not in tune with the input costs incurred by farmers. The diversification from wheat and rice that was being promoted in Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, was harmful to indigenous production. "At this rate suicides by farmers will continue. Are farmers not included in aam aadmi?"

Sharad Yadav (JD-U) pointed out that it was the first time the official procuring agencies had received less than 100 lakh tonnes of wheat for the Public Distribution System.

Demanding a discussion on farmers' issues, Venkiah Naidu (BJP) said the raise of Rs. 10 a quintal was inadequate. Such measures would result in shortage of home-grown foodgrain production. "After the Prime Minister returned from Vidarbha, there have been 60 more suicides by farmers of the region."

Yashwant Sinha and S.S. Ahluwalia said an increase of Rs. 10 was like a "bakshish" (tip).

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