Even as the BJP has argued that the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah cannot present a full budget for 2018-19 in view of the polls during April/May, the farmers have demanded a ‘farmer-friendly budget’ from the State government.
Karnataka Sugarcane Cultivators’ Association president Kurubur Shanthakumar has said that the government should help farmers reeling under successive drought, crop failure or price collapse. He said they have a long-pending demand before the government seeking a policy change in agricultural loan disbursal. Loans should be sanctioned on the basis of the land value akin to the site value taken into consideration while approving housing loans. “This calls for a policy change and we have urged the Chief Minister to take necessary initiatives,” he added.
The issue was also raised in the pre-budget consultations held with the CM and the farmers, who submitted a wish list, have also sought implementation of the Swaminathan Commission recommendations on agriculture that stipulate price fixation to be twice the input cost. He said if the recommendations were implemented then it would obviate the need for the State government to fix procurement price.
“A similar appeal has also been made to the Centre. A mega farmers rally will be held in Delhi on February 23 urging the Centre to implement the Swaminathan Committee recommendations on price fixation,” said Mr. Shanthakumar.
Referring to the International Millets Mela held in Bengaluru, the association president said the government should ensure a market besides a fair and a remunerative price for the farmers. “Instead it was content exploiting the farmers,” he added.
Mr. Shanthakumar said a delegation of 25 farmers will soon go to Sri Lanka to study latest technological developments in agriculture with focus on coconut and paddy. The week-long tour will commence from January 22.
