FARMERS ORGANISATIONS decide to launch movement for their demands

Ludhiana, January 17, 2013: With a demand for increase in the minimum support price (MSP) the state level joint convention of Kissan Sabhas held at Ludhiana today decided to launch movement for their demands.

The joint convention was organised by the Punjab Kissan Sabhas affiliated to CPI and CPI (M), Bharti Kissan Union Ekta (Sidhupur) and All India Democratic Party. 

The convention was addressed by Kulwant Singh (ex MLA) President and Bhupinder Sambar General Secretary Punjab Kissan Sabha, Gurchetan Singh-President and Sukhminder Sekhon –General Secretary Kissan Sabha Punjab,  Kartar Singh Bowani, Giani Gurdev Singh Nihal Singhwala and Kamiker Singh Sekhon.                            

Various speakers at the convention criticised the anti farmer policies of the government at the Centre and state for ignoring their demands which has led large number of suicides by the farmers throughout the country,  including Punjab.  

Kissans have to face huge losses every year due to natural calamities that affect their production which are many a time destroyed. But governments  do not have any policy for them in this regard to meet the loss.  

They demanded that all loans given to small and medium farmers be waived off. 

They further demanded that the MSP for wheat be fixed at Rs.1,800 per quintal and an additional bonus of Rs. 150 be given to the farmers by the state govt. This has become essential due to increase in the input costs such as diesel, electricity and fertilizers.

Moreover there has been exorbitant rise in prices of essential commodities which the kissans have to use too. They also demanded increase in the MSP of sugarcane which is higher in Haryana by Rs. 45.

They also demanded that milk rate should be bought at the previous rates and not at the present reduced rates.   

The farmer organisations also warned of introduction of GM crops without safety audit. Such a move may lead to several problems for our food security and health in future.

The farmer orgnaisations also supported the ongoing struggle of the Punjab Agricultural University Employee’s Union for release of arrears.

They further said that the Punjab government should increase the grant to PAU for the further research.