Kerala - Kozhikode   

Meet call for action to combat farm crisis

KOZHIKODE: A two-day convention of the recently-formed South Indian Coordinating Committee of Farmers Movements (SICCFM) that concluded in the city on Saturday said that unless drastic action was taken, the agrarian crisis would reach a boiling point in rural areas.

The convention, which was organised by the Kerala Coconut Farmers Association, was attended by Chandrasekhar Kodihalli of the Karnataka Rajya Ryotha Sangha, P. Ravindranath of the Kerala Coconut farmers Association, Fr. George of Infam, C.K. Janu of the Adivasi Gothra Maha Sabha, Dr. Shivasami of the Tamizaga Vyavasayigal Sangham, Vikayudi Venugopal of the Anti-Coca Cola Campaign Committee of Plachimada and Majindran of the Swathantra Matsya Thozhilali Federation.

The participants warned that the policy of liberalisation in agriculture sector through free trade agreements (FTAs) and rising corporate control of food and agriculture had been increasing hunger and starvation nationwide, damaging the environment and escalating destitution.

The speakers said that the support extended to foreign companies through free trade agreements also had been increasing the vulnerability of farmers in the countryside. They complained that the government signed free trade agreements and gave approval to Bt brinjal without proper consultation.

“The Indo-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement will lead to a sharp decline in the prices of edible oils, pulses, sugar, fish and spices in south India,” the convention warned.

It congratulated the State government for protesting against the Central government’s imposition of the agreement with ASEAN without consulting the State though agriculture is a State subject. The participants also expressed appreciation for the State government’s decision to oppose genetically modified (GM) crops and encourage organic farming.

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