Various farmers’ organisations have called upon the Agriculture Department and the State government to hold ‘serious discussions’ on the impact of the K. Kasturirangan commission report on the farmers’ fraternity.
The suggestion was placed at a State-level meeting chaired by Minister for Panchayats and Social Welfare M.K. Muneer here on Saturday. The meeting reviewed the arrangements made to host the State-level Farmers’ Day celebration from August 16.
Farmers’ forums owing allegiance to various political parties unanimously came in support of the idea.
“They are unlikely to consider it as some of the officials have already made the observation that the topic will lead to heated arguments that could affect the celebrations,” a farmers’ organisation leader from the district said.
Government officials were more concerned over celebrating the event in the name of farmers than focusing on their problems and anxieties, another leader said.
A few others criticised the plan of the department to limit the celebrations to the city. They urged people’s representatives to take note of the issue and hold promotional rallies and campaigns in rural areas.
The subcommittees constituted to steer the State-level event presented the detailed estimates at the review meeting. Officials said Rs.55.50 lakh would be spent during the four-day event. Additional funds required to host the event would be mobilised through sponsorships, they added.
Logo releasedDr. Muneer released the logo of the event by handing it over to Purushan Kadalundi, MLA.
The department shortlisted the logo from the nine entries it received from various professional and amateur artists.