Farmers cannot be at mercy of market forces: Chouhan

In a statement on a resolution demanding that Centre rollback prices of fertilisers, Chouhan claimed that farmers had been left at the mercy of market forces, and this would not be tolerated.

The statement was tabled in the Assembly amid din last week, with the opposition Congress demanding a discussion on corruption.

Chouhan said the prices of fertilisers had been increased more than once in a single season, putting a heavy burden on farmers.

The Centre should follow the policy which was in operation before April, 2010, wherein supply of fertilisers was not affected by prices in the international market or the devaluation of the rupee.

But Congress avoided the discussion on the resolution seeking rollback of prices, Chouhan claimed, adding that the opposition party had earlier agreed to discussion in the meeting of business advisory committee.

"Congress cannot discuss the resolution as it was responsible for the hike in fertiliser prices," he said.

Chouhan also said he had written to other Chief Ministers, even the non-BJP ones, over the issues of farmers.