Farmers in Karnataka to support political party that promises to implement ‘farmers’ manifesto’

Farmers from across Mysuru and Mandya districts met in Mysuru on March 14 to discuss various issues related to agriculture

In the run-up to Assembly elections in Karnataka, farmers from across Mysuru and Mandya met in Mysuru on March 14 and resolved that support to political parties will hinge on them agreeing to their demands, which have been laid down in a ‘farmers’ manifesto’.

Federation of Farmers’ Organisation and Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS) leaders discussed issues plaguing farmers and the agricultural sector. They decided to support only such parties and candidates who announce support to their demands and incorporate them in the election manifesto.

Kurubur Shanthakumar of Sugarcane Cultivators’ Association said, “Political parties should announce their commitment to introduce an income scheme for farmers. It should reflect in their election manifesto so that they could be held accountable.

“While the government does not think twice about waiving off loans amounting to thousands of crores of rupee of industrialists by classifying them as bad debt, political parities should commit themselves to waive off loans availed by farmers who are in distress due to lack of support price for agricultural produce.

“The political parties should also commit themselves to announce interest-free agricultural loans to help farmers sustain themselves.

“Farmers want CIBIL score to be delinked from agricultural loans on the ground that the repayment cycle gets affected due to vagaries of market and nature. On the other hand, CIBIL score affects a farmer’s access to fresh loans.”

The Federation of Farmers’ Organisations said the GST on agriculture-related equipment should be withdrawn while crop insurance schemes should cover all crops cultivated by farmers.