Farmers’ protest against Centre’s ‘anti-farmer’ policies in Ongole

Farmers in Ongole protest against BJP's policies, citing dangers to their livelihoods and demanding support for local agriculture.

Various farmers’ organisations staged a protest under the aegis of Samyukta Kisan Morcha on the occasion of Martyrs’ Day at Prakasam Bhavan in Ongole on Monday. The leaders of Samyukta Kisan Morcha called for more vigorous struggle against the ‘anti-farmer and anti-labour policies’ adopted by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Central government.

Speaking to the media, Samyukta Kisan Morcha Prakasam district convener Chunduri Ranga Rao said, “Inspired by Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev, who sacrificed their lives for the country, a dharna was held in front of the Collector office. Due to the anti-farmer policies followed by the BJP government, the lives of farmers in the country are in danger.”

He demanded the BJP government to explain the reason behind imposing a 17% tariff on exports of crops grown by domestic farmers, while completely lifting the tariff on commercial crops imported into the country from places like the US. He said that it is shameful that coalition government in the State is shaking its head in disgust at the BJP policies.

The farmer leader further demanded the State government to support the groundnut farmers who are suffering due to the Central government’s export and import policy. “Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which was founded by former Chief Minister N.T. Rama Rao, claims to be a farmer’s party, but it is unable to support the farmers in the State. It is a matter of shame for TDP leaders,” he alleged.