New Delhi, Mar 8 (ANI): Reiterating the government's deep concern for farmers' welfare, the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, who met a Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) delegation here today assured them that their interests will be fully protected at all times.
Dr. Singh met a BKU delegation consisting of Rakesh Tikait, Ajmer Singh Lakhowal, President, Punjab Unit, Yudhvir Singh, All India Secretary, Putnaiyah, President, Karnataka Raiyat Sangh, Satnam Singh Cheema, All India General Secretary, Uttarakhand, Gurnam Singh, President, BKU, Haryana Unit, Deewan Chand Choudhary, President, BKU, UP Unit and Shri Rajveer Singh, President, NCR.
The Agriculture Minister and MoS (PMO) were also present during the meeting.
The delegation raised a number of issues, including remunerative prices for farm produce, amendment to the Land Acquisition Act, four per cent rate of interest for loans other than crop loan, effective implementation of the minimum support price mechanism, due consideration of sensitivities about GM crops, protecting the interests of Indian farmers while engaging with WTO, FTA, etc., health insurance for farmers, ensuring farmers' interests while framing the Seed Bill and separate budget for agriculture like Railways.
Dr. Singh also assured the BKU delegation that every year, before the budget, the government will bring out a report on the state of Indian agriculture.
The government had already enhanced MSPs very substantially over the past 5-6 years. It will continue to strive to protect farmers' interests through the MSP mechanism.
Regarding land acquisition, a separate meeting will be organized with Ministry of Rural Development and farmers' organizations.
The Prime Minister announced that he will convene a joint meeting with the Finance Minister and the Agriculture Minister to have an in-depth discussion on various issues raised by BKU just after the current budget session. (ANI)
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