KANNUR: Independent farmers' organisations in the district will join hands to wage an agitation against the alleged negative attitude of the Government towards farmers who are `victims' of the crisis in the agricultural sector.

The Union and the State Governments were ignoring the plight of the farmers who were in the debt trap and hit by price crash of crops, said the district office-bearers of the Indian Farmers' Movement (Infam), Desiya Karshaka Raksha Samithi (DKRS), and Kisan Sena at a press conference here on Thursday.

Convention

A convention of these organisations would be held at the Holy Family Church Auditorium here on Saturday.

It would highlight a charter of demands for the welfare of the farmers, said Infam district secretary Joseph Ottaplakal and Jose Manippara of the DKRS.

The convention would raise the demand that the district be included in the agricultural package announced by the Union Government. Its agricultural sector was as badly hit as that of the other districts which recorded incidents of farmers' suicide.

`Write off loans'

The convention would also demand that all agricultural and non-agricultural loans of the farmers be written off and interest-free fresh loans be sanctioned.

The Governments should fix fair price for agricultural produce proportionate to their production cost and the cost of living.

The farmers should be allowed to produce and sell Neera, a brew from coconut palms, said Fr. Ottplakkal and Fr. Manippara.

Compensation

The Government should sanction a compensation of Rs.500 and Rs.5,000 for each disease-hit arecanut and coconut tree respectively.

The Government should offer financial and technical assistance to farmers to popularise organic farming. Agricultural land should be exempted from stamp duty.

Farmers' contribution to the Agricultural Workers Welfare Fund should be stopped. Agricultural loans of farmers who suffered crop damage owing to attacks by wild animals should be written off and they should be offered compensation.

Joshi to inaugurate

The convention would be inaugurated by All India Kisan Coordination Committee founder president Sharad Joshi, MP. Thalassery Archbishop George Valiyamattom would preside. Fr. Manippara would deliver the keynote address.

Mr. Joshi would also visit the families of the farmers who committed suicide.

He would also participate in interactive sessions with farmers in different parts of the district.

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