Assam farmers don't have money to buy seeds or employ labour after demonetization

Demonetisation of high denomination currency notes has badly hit agricultural activities across Assam, as cash-starved farmers are finding it hard to pay agricultural labourers, demanding wages in advance, that too in Rs 100 denomination.

After the announcement of the demonetisation of currency by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, chaos has gripped the nation.

Such is the case of Sonapur Village in Assam, where farmers found it difficult to carry on with their their daily activities due to a shortage of money.

"It is difficult to harvest as the exchange of currency takes a very long time. No money for seeds or to employ. I they don't have money to buy seeds or employ labour," said Vishnu Varta, a farmer.

"No new seed available and we are also out of cash. Harvesting requires money and we have scarce resources. So how will I pay my labourers? That is why I have to harvest my own yield," said Apoorva Bhramha.

"We request government to provide some additional service to farmers like provision to withdraw Rs. 20,000 . We also serve the country like soldiers," he added.

One farmer from the district is facing a tough time convincing labourers to work in his field. Due to this problem, he could not even complete his harvesting. He had gone to a nearby market to withdraw money from an ATM, but it was not functioning.

There is a widespread panic among farmers, who had recently harvested their paddy crop, and were preparing for the next Rabi season. They fear that in the absence of new currency notes, they will miss out on the crucial sowing time. This is the most crucial time for a farmer when he not only sells his paddy crop, but also makes purchases for seeds, fertiliser and diesel for the next seasonal crop.