Farmers hit out at Central and Karnataka governments over urea crisis

The Karnataka president of the Federation of Farmers’ Associations Kurubur Shanthakumar on Wednesday inaugurated the Farmers’ Awareness Convention here by waving the green flag.

Speaking on the occasion, he strongly criticised both the Central and State governments for failing to supply sufficient urea fertiliser to farmers.

“It is the duty of the governments to provide seeds and fertilisers to farmers on time, as they are the ones who supply food to the nation. But, instead of fulfilling this duty, representatives of both governments are blaming each other to divert attention,” he alleged.

Mr. Shanthakumar said that a massive farmers’ rally will be held in Delhi on August 25 to press for a charter of demands. These include, “Enactment of a law guaranteeing Minimum Support Price (MSP) for agricultural produce; exclusion of agriculture, dairy, and poultry sectors from the India-USA trade agreement; complete waiver of all farm loans; withdrawal of all police cases filed during the Delhi farmers’ protest, and halting the acquisition of fertile agricultural land for industrial use.

Presiding over the convention, State Sugarcane Growers’ Association Treasurer M.B. Chetan said that the association has fought for farmers’ rights since its inception. It is through such struggles that leaders like Shanthakumar have earned respect for their principled stands.

Mr. Shanthkumar had met with an accident in New Delhi when went there to participate in the farmers’ agitation. He was hospitalised for a long time after undergoing a surgery. This marked his first meeting after recovering from the incident.

On the occasion, one Hundi Siddappa recalled visiting Mr. Shanthakumar in the hospital. “We were deeply worried seeing him in that condition. It is heartening to see him recover and participate in this event. We hope he continues to work for the betterment of farmers.”

Journalist Jayanth also spoke at the event.

District general secretary Baradanapura Nagaraj, district president Kirasuru Shankar, State organising secretary Attahalli Devaraj, retired principal Mahadevayya, social activist Vasantkumar Mysoremath, former Kannada Sahitya Parishat president Chandrashekhar, and others were present. More than 300 farmers and leaders of various organisations took part in the convention.