Farmers Continue Protests Despite PM Modi’s Agriculture Promises
Even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a transformation in the agricultural sector during the Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort, farmers protesting at the Shambhu border voiced their frustrations over unmet demands. Addressing the nation, Modi emphasized the need to modernize agricultural practices, promising governmental support through improved internet connectivity, healthcare, and employment opportunities for farmers’ children. He also stressed the push towards natural farming and expressed confidence in India becoming the world’s organic food basket.
However, farmers from Punjab and Haryana, entrenched at the Shambhu border for over six months, highlighted the stark contrast between Modi’s assurances and their ground realities. “Technological advancements are unattainable for debt-ridden farmers,” said Sukhchain Singh, a 37-year-old protester. Jagjeet Dallewal, president of the Bharatiya Kisan Union Ekta Sidhupur, questioned why the government has not engaged directly with the protesting farmers. Haseep Ahmed, a farmer from Uttar Pradesh, criticized the benefits claimed by Modi, stating that capitalists, not farmers, are reaping rewards.
To amplify their demands, farmers also organized a tractor rally on Thursday. Their ongoing protest, which began in February, calls for various measures including a legal assurance of minimum support prices for crops. The Supreme Court has previously indicated that the government should address the “trust deficit” with farmers by engaging more directly with them. Despite high-level pledges, the protesting farmers decry the lack of substantial change and genuine dialogue.
Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/pms-i-day-speech-out-of-touch-with-ground-say-protesting-farmers/article68529771.ece
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