Will raise agrarian problems at meeting of CMs: Badal

Noting that the peasants were going through hard times on various fronts, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today said that he will raise the agrarian problems at a meeting of Chief Ministers with the Prime Minister in New Delhi on July 15.
Badal, who was responding to questions at a media conference here, said, "a meeting of the Chief Ministers is slated with the Prime Minister on July 15."
He said though Punjab government is taking necessary steps to mitigate the sufferings of the farmers that include giving them free and regular power supply, besides taking other steps for their welfare, yet today a number of issues confront the agriculture sector.

"There are a number of issues confronting the agriculture sector, for which states have no powers to deal with. Be it the issue of fixing prices for the crop produce, fixing the prices of fertiliser or diesel, or at what price pesticides/ insecticides should sell, these issues are in the Centre's domain," Badal said.
He said that farmers are facing a "tough time, they are frustrated" as a number of issues including the vagaries of weather confront them.
"I will put this in July 15 meeting of the CMs," he said.
Badal suggested that a high-powered committee should be formed by the Centre, which will go into challenges faced by the country's agriculture sector.