MP government's 'Krishi gaan' adds to farmers' mourning

The BJP government in Madhya Pradesh is drawing flak for celebrating 'Krishi Mahotsav' -- a farm fair during which Rs.50 lakh would be spent just on 'Krishi gaan' (song) - while farmers in state are in deep distress due to crop failure.

While their pathetic conditions have forced some farmers to even mortgage their kids and others to commit suicide, the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government has spared no effort in organising 'Krishi Mahotsav', critics say.

'Krishi Mahotsava' started from Monday and will continue till June 15. During this, various cultural programmes are to be held. The 'Krishi gaan' - the theme song of farmers - highlights the innovative changes introduced in the farming processes and has been sung by Bollywood singer Shankar Mahadevan.

The Adfactor public relations firm, which has been roped in for 'Krishi Mahotsava', was assigned the responsibilty of delivering 'Krishi song', which has been recorded. Shankar Mahdevan has been reportedly paid Rs.50 lakh for the song, composed by Mahesh Shrivastava.

Shrivastava said he only wrote the song and he is not aware about the amount being paid to the singer.

Amidst the celebrations of 'Krishi Mahotsava', state farmers leader Shiv Kumar Sharma seems unhappy.

"Through this festival, the government is actually celebrating the death of around 72 farmers. The money used on this festival has come from the taxes given by farmers," Shiv Kumar told IANS.

"How can a government celebrate the deaths of farmers and why is Rs.50 lakh being spent on just a song," he asked.

Seeking to counter Shiv kumar, Adfactor PR firm said: "The song recording has been done by us, but the information about amount being offered to the singer will be shared by the commissioner of public relation."

" 'Krishi song' has been sung by Shankar Mahadevan and the fee for the same has been paid. However, I can't recall the exact amount paid," said S.K Mishra, the public relation officer.

With the loss of crops and rising burden of debts, which are driving the farmers to commit suicides, the 'Kirishi Mahotsava' celebrations do not exactly sound music to their ears, farmers say.

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has constantly emphasised on the benefits of farming and also implemented various schemes for the sector.

The government says it is trying its best to help farmers with the best agricultural facilities, however, the farmers are not able to reap the benefits because of constant and repeated failure of crops in the state.