STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Jammu & Kashmir State Committee of Kissan Sabha has extended support to the agitation of farmers launched by All India Kissan Sangharash Coordination Committee in protest against anti-people and anti-farmer bills passed by the Modi Govt in Parliament, ignoring great resentment against the bills.
In a meeting of the Sabha, presided over by its President Hari Chand Jalmeria, the members expressed anguish over abandoning of responsibility by the Govt in making procurement of paddy, maize and other Khareef crops from farmers at MSP or more profitable rates. Traders are exploiting farmers by offering them Rs 500-600 per quintal lesser rates than that of last year. The Kissan Sabha asked Government to ensure procurement of farmers’ produce at every Panchayat level and at profitable rates not below the MSP. The Sabha Committee has also extended support to Bharat Bandh call given by agitating Farmers & Farmers Unions.
The members termed all three agricultural bills viz Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill 2020, (ii) Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill 2020 and (iii) Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill 2020 as anti-people and anti-farmer in long run. “The aim behind the bills is to open gates of free trade to the big business houses in agriculture sector for profit motive. This, in no way would be beneficial to farmers and poor people of country, who are already under great strain and stress. This would also affect food security system in the country. Only some big companies and big traders would be benefitted by exploitation of farmers and poor people,” they asserted.
The Sabha asked Union Government not to pursue pro-big business houses policy on the subject which would ultimately open gates of exploitation of farmers and consumers besides putting food security of common masses at stake. The Govt must ensure highest Minimum Support Price and ensured procurement of farmers’ produce besides ensuring food security to people.
Those who participated in the meeting physically or through virtual mode included Dr Ghanisham Singh Charak, Uday Chand, Master Swarn Singh, Rafiq Shah, Mohinder Singh Andotra, Tek Chand Sapolia, Dewan Chand, Rashpal Singh, Ravi Kumar, Romesh Singh Bhau, Chuni Lal Mistri and Joginder Singh.
