Joint Kisan Manch of various farmer organisations met to decide the future course of action in protest of drastically falling apple prices in the markets and arising agrarian crises across the country, today at Kalibari Hall, Shimla.
A day before BKU leader Rakesh Tikait visit to Himachal has heated up the growers sentiments in the sudden fall of apple markets and exploitation in the markets, however, the Kisan Forum has also joined hands together to take this now to the logical end.
Cong MLAs Vikramaditya Singh and Rakesh Singha (CPIM MLA) showed solidarity with the apple growers and farmer unions for the cause. The forum decided in this meeting that by 13 September they would reach to the farmers to educate and aware them of what is happening and how corporates or big houses are manipulating the markets.
The Kisan Sanyukt Samiti will start this campaign at Tehsil, Block and Subdivision level, if the government still does not accept the demands, then a big demonstration will be held on 26 August.
Today, due to the poor system of APMC, farmers and growers are not even paid on time as per law. Surprisingly many farmers and particularly the apple growers have not been paid by the arhtiyas and buyers for many years.
Sanjay Chauhan, one of the farmer leaders, expressing anguish said, today, due to the crisis of agriculture in the country, the crisis of farmers and apple or fruit producers of the state is also increasing.
During the discussion in the meeting, the speakers also condemned the recent anti-farmer statement given by the Urban Development Minister in Parala Mandi in which he said that the market decides the supply and demand. It was decided in the meeting that the government should immediately accept the demands and provide relief to the farmers.