Farmers Movement Archive

Farmers dying in line for fertilizer is shameful: Rakesh Tikait

JHANSI: Farmer leader and national spokesperson of Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) Rakesh Tikait, who on Monday visited the families of some farmers who died during the ongoing fertilizer shortage in Lalitpur recently, said that “it is shameful that farmers are dying while standing in line for fertilizer”. He also suggested opting for organic farming in the region after setting up ‘Bundelkhand Organic Board’. Repeating his recent Tweet, Tikait said that on November 26 their protest will complete one year and they will be altering the worn-out camp by replacing them with new tents. Talking to reporters Tikait alleged, “Neither the Modi government nor Yogi government have done any constructive work so far for the farmers.“We have had no discussion with the Central government on farmer’s bill after January 22 till now as the government is busy roaming around. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not even put four bricks on his own, but is selling everything in the name of privatisation." He further said that “MSP is only on government papers while on ground it is zero”. “On the other hand, continuous rise in the prices of fuel is drastically affecting agriculture activities, especially for the marginal farmers,” he claimed. Talking about the farmers of Bundelkhand, Tikait said, “For their survival, it is important that their produce is purchased here itself by proper people who can give appropriate prices. It is important that a Bundelkhand Organic Board is formed as there is a lot of scope for the cultivation of organic crops here and it will help in the revival of farmers.” He further suggested promoting village tourism and ensuring proper price for the pulses and wheat produced here, which are in high demand in big cities. “These measures will help in stabilizing the farmers of Bundelkhand”. When asked about reasons behind rampant farmer suicide here, Tikait said that Bundelkhand is rich in minerals whose benefit is not being reap by the local people rather the money earned from the mineral resources are being syphoned to the influential moneyed people from outside the state. “The government is deliberately keeping this region underdeveloped so that people from here can be sent to big cities as cheap labour”. When asked about the reasons behind his organization being weak in Bundelkhand, Tikait admitted the fact. He said, “Since beneficial schemes of the government are not reaching poor farmers making them weak. As a result, they are not in a condition to fight back or support my organisation.” He suggested the farmers of Bundelkhand not to migrate but stay back and fight for their rights.

The Times of India

2021-11-02

Kanpur