The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Kisan Sabha asks UPA to ensure farmers' welfare

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Monday, Nov 13, 2006
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Kisan Sabha asks UPA to ensure farmers' welfare

Special Correspondent

Centre told to implement CMP and NCF recommendations

FIGHTING FOR FARMERS: All-India Kisan Sabha general secretary K. Varadarajan addressing a public meeting in Hyderabad on Sunday. PHOTO: K. RAMESH BABU

HYDERABAD: All-India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) general secretary K. Varadarajan has asked the Congress-led UPA Government to implement the Common Minimum Programme as well as the recommendations made by the National Commission on Farmers (NCF) in the interest of farmers.

Given the increasing difficulties being faced by farmers across the country, the failure of the Government in implementing the CMP and the `positive' recommendations made by the NCF headed by M.S. Swaminathan are sure to land it in crisis, he said.

Mr. Varadarajan was addressing a public meeting organised in connection with the arrival of the AIKS jathas that started from Kanyakumari, in the city on Sunday.

`Delaying tactics'

Appreciating the recommendations made by the NCF as well as those made by the Jayati Ghosh Commission appointed by the State Government, he, however, expressed concern over the `delaying tactics' being adopted by the State and Central Governments in implementing them.

He criticised Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram for his claims that six committees would be constituted to study the recommendations made by Swaminathan Commission. "This is reflective of the Government's intentions to delay the benefits to farmers," he said.

Criticising the Government for not abiding by the CMP for over two years, he cited the instance of import of wheat from Australia at Rs. 1,100 per quintal while the same was fixed at Rs. 750 for farmers in the country.

CPI (M) State secretary B.V. Raghavulu criticised the State Government for not taking any concrete measures in the interest of farmers and delaying the implementation of its promises in the name of `Jalayagnam' that was ridden with corruption.

While farmers were suffering on various counts, the Government had advised them to go for irrigated dry crops whose prices were uncertain rather than paddy, which would at least offer some price.

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