'Consult farmers before extending MNREGA to agri'

Rashtriya Kisan Mahasangh (RKM), a consortium of 62 farmer bodies, today said it has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and 28 chief ministers urging them to have a dialogue with farmers before extending MNREGA to the agriculture sector.

RKM, which appreciated the proposal by government think-tank Niti Aayog, said it will launch a nationwide signature campaign to seek farmers' opinion.

"The feasibility of using the employment generated under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) in agriculture related activities, both pre-harvest and post-harvest, is not possible without consulting serious farmers organisation," it said in a statement.

RKM also alleged that Niti Aayog is not willing to meet farmers' bodies despite their request.

 

Therefore, RKM has passed a resolution to consult all stakeholders, it added.