Farmers participating in a rally on the occasion of National Farmers’ Day in Mysuru on Monday.
| Photo Credit: M.A. Sriram
A State-level convention of farmers was held here on Monday on the occasion of National Farmers’ Day, which was observed by the Federation of Karnataka Farmers’ Association and State Sugarcane Growers’ Association, led by its president Kurubur Shanthkumar.
Minister of State of Railways and Jal Shakti V. Somanna attended the convention held on the premises of KSOU here. The farmers presented a memorandum to the Minister listing out their demands, including MSP for farm produce and loan waiver, among others.
Earlier, hundreds of farmers took out a rally from the Gun House Circle to the KSOU campus. Farmers sporting green shawls raised slogans in their favour and demanded implementation of their long-pending demands.
Mr. Shanthkumar, president of the association, and leaders of farmer groups were present.
Later on the KSOU premises, a programme was held where the Minister took part and the farmer leaders spoke on the problems they were facing and what they expected from the elected governments.
The demand for a law ensuring MSP for agricultural produce and complete waiver of farm loans were among the key demands of the farmers. They are also demanding pension of ₹10,000 to those who are aged 60 and above.
Mr. Shanthakumar sought changes in the crop loan policy for considering loans on the value of the land, and the abolition of CIBIL score and the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest (SARFAESI) Act.
On the occasion of the National Farmers’ Day – the theme of this year’s day is ‘Empowering Annadatas for a prosperous nation’, the farmers demanded abolition of GST on agricultural equipment, fertilizers, and pesticides.
Published – December 23, 2024 09:24 pm IST