Hundreds of Bhartiya Kisan Sangh farmers, demanding loan waiver, among other things, launched an indefinite 'mahapadav' (sit-in) across eight cities in Rajasthan on Thursday.
Farmers in hundreds are sitting across the state at divisional headquarters in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ajmer, Kota, Bikaner, Bharatpur and Sikar. We want the government to listen and do something for welfare of farmersBN Chaudhary, Bhartiya Kisan Sangh functionary, told IANS
Besides loan waiver, the farmers are also demanding rise in Minimum Support Price (MSP) based on input cost, calling of special session of the state assembly for discussion of their issues, formulating farmer-friendly agricultural policies and implementation of irrigation projects.
"The state government should make it a crime if crops are purchased below MSP," Chaudhary said and added that the state government also was trying to keep farmers from participating in the protest.
To keep a close watch on the situation, the state government has cancelled leaves of district collectors and police officials.
Security has been tightened in areas around the 'mahapadav' sites. To pacify farmers, the state government has begun procurement of garlic and has also extended the date for wheat procurement to 30 June.
(With inputs from IANS.)
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