The State conference of the Kerala Karshaka Sangam has called for protests against anti-farmer policies of the State and Central governments. The meet urged the governments to find a solution to the fall in prices of agriculture products.
In a resolution the meet demanded the government to take immediate steps to plug shortcomings in irrigation infrastructure in the State.
“The government has the moral responsibility to ensure sufficient infrastructure facilities for farming. Many irrigation projects, including Pazhassi and Kattambally irrigation projects, in Kannur district have been lying incomplete for many years. Kuttyadi project in Kozhikode district is non-functional due to the sedimentation of silt. Kanjairapuzha project in Palakkad district and Karapuzha project in Wayanad district are not yet finished,” the resolution pointed out.
As the State witnessed severe water shortage for irrigation, the government had to take immediate steps to complete the projects. The meet demanded the withdrawal of the decision to exclude agriculture activities from the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.
“Against the backdrop of severe shortage of agricultural labourers, the decision of the Union government will adversely affect the farm sector. The MGNREGS was a boon to tackle the labour crisis in the State to a certain extend.”
The meeting paid tribute to former Chief Minister E.K. Nayanar and Communist leader P. Sundarayya. The conference will conclude on Monday.
A protest rally against anti-farm policies of the State and Union governments will be taken out in the city on Monday. State and Central leaders will participate in the rally.
A public meeting will follow the procession. All-India Kisan Sabha president S. Ramachandran Pillai will inaugurate the public meeting at Thekkinkadu Maidan.
