RS members support resolution for setting up National Farmers'

Cutting across party lines, Rajya Sabha members on Friday supported a resolution that seeks to set up a National Farmers' Commission with constitutional status, to deal with farmers' issues.

Besides, the resolution moved by BJP member Vijay Pal Singh Tomar also sought hike in funds provided to the farmers as Kisan Samman Nidhi from Rs 6,000 to Rs 10,000 per year and Bharat Ratna for farmers for their contribution to the society.

Initiating the debate on the private member resolution, Tomar said, "India is primarily an agrarian based economy with more than 55 per cent population engaged in farming. Besides there are 15 per cent people who are engaged in allied sectors. Thus there are 70 per cent population dependent on farm sector."
Highlighting the issues related to farmers he said,"India has the capacity to produce three crops in a year but suicide cases still occur among farmers. If appropriate steps are taken to prevent farmers' suicide in India then precious lives of farmers could be saved thereby ensuring further development in the agriculture sector."