Telangana News

Protesting against the anti-farmer policies, Telangana farmers demanded income security for small, marginal and medium farmers and agricultural workers. They sought the state government to come out with a comprehensive Agriculture Policy to safeguard their livelihood. 

TJAC Chief Kodandaram demanded to bring in the Farmers’ Income Guarantee Act to ensure minimum dignified living for all the farm households. Adding to it, he even sought the establishment of a permanent Farmers’ Income Commission.

“The government should stop forcible grabbing of farmers’ lands in the name of projects. It must follow the Land Acquisition Act 2013, while acquiring the land and it must withdraw the GO 123 introduced by the government to bypass the 2013 Act,” the JAC declaration revealed.

The JAC further demanded to pay the dues of the crop loan waiver and ensure timely crop loans for the farmers, who are hard pressed for money. “Compensation for crop loss should be given to all farmers affected by drought, floods, or heavy rains with at least Rs. 10,000 an acre. Input subsidy for drought-hit areas should be released immediately,” it said in the declaration.

The farmers also wanted the government to bring in a Seed Act to ensure good quality seeds. “Genetically modified crops, which are being pushed without proper testing, should be opposed and their field trials should not be encouraged,” it said.