Muzaffarnagar, 30 November (IANS). Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi had said in Bulandshahr on November 26 that the sugarcane support price is not increased every year. We had extended it only to 2023. Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait has expressed disappointment on this.
Speaking to reporters in Muzaffarnagar, Rakesh Tikait said, “This is very sad and it is causing problems to sugarcane farmers. If such statements come from ministers, then people get disappointed. The government has increased the price of sugarcane by Rs 400. It was decided that our demand was Rs 500. We should get Rs 450 instead of Rs 400, but the government refused to accept it. Sugarcane payment has not been made yet. However, the government has taken some steps in the payment, but it is still incomplete. They are in distress and their loans should be waived off, but no concrete steps are being taken to waive off the urea.
He further said, “We are also talking about the issue of MSP guarantee, Swaminathan Committee report, and GM (Genetically Modified) seeds. Electricity bills are being privatized, whether in Rajasthan or Uttar Pradesh, we are talking to the employees. And are agitating regarding their problems. There is a plan to install smart meters, due to which many employees may be laid off.
He said, “Prime Minister Modi often talks about farmers, but no change is visible on the ground. Farmers’ land is being rapidly snatched away, whether it is in the name of road construction or for industries. Under the Land Acquisition Act, This problem is increasing, but these problems have not been solved yet. Farmers’ organizations are also raising their voice against it. The situation is becoming more difficult for the farmers. Work is being done on the right to health, but The standards are not being met.”
–IANS
PSM/AKJ
