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| Farmers demonstrate against low paddy purchase price |
| BS Reporter / New Delhi/ Chandigarh Nov 06, 2009, 00:47 IST |
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Farmers’ organisation Bharti Kissan Union (Lakhowal) demonstrated in front of the offices of Deputy Commissioners of Ludhiana, Ferozepur, Moga and Muktsar in Punjab against low purchase price of PUSA 1121 paddy variety by private purchasers and demanded interference of the central and state governments in the matter.
They also burnt their paddy to show resentment and demanded from the government to fix the minimum support price at Rs 3,500 per quintal and direct Nafed and Markfed to enter the market for purchase of this particular variety of paddy.
They warned that if the government did not pay heed to their demands, they would be compelled to start agitation in Delhi after November 10.
BKU President Ajmer Singh Lakhowal said the farmers had to burn their paddy because they were not given suitable and remunerative prices in view of the cost of production. He further said they had to spend money on diesel for irrigating the crop because of scanty rain and, therefore, the production cost was higher this time. But now they were at the mercy of private purchasers, getting Rs 1,200-Rs 1,300 per quintal less than that of last year.
He also criticised the import-export policy of the Centre. He said when the farmers started getting genuine rates, the government allowed imports against their interests and when the production was in abundance, the government banned the export of that commodity.
He further demanded relaxation in the specification for the 201 variety of paddy so that the farmers get remunerative price for this crop. The farmers are interested in cultivating this variety as it needs lesser water for irrigation but gives more production and ripens earlier than other varieties.
He demanded a rate of Rs 1,580 for wheat, Rs 250 for sugarcane, Rs 4,250 for oilseeds and pulses and Rs 4,250 for cotton in accordance with the recommendations of the Dr Swaminathan Committee. Lakhowal has also strongly criticised the government for declaring increase of only Rs 20 in the rate of wheat.
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