More farmers union have come out to extend their support to the new farm laws. Although farmers continued their sit-in at Delhi’s borders on the Day-19th, there were many who met Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Monday and expressed confidence in the government agricultural reforms.
The day began with Narendra Singh Tomar calling on Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He then met a farmers delegation from Maharashtra, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Haryana, UP and Bihar.
The delegation expressed their support for the government’s efforts towards doubling farmers income by 2022 as well as the opening up of the agriculture sector to market competition.
They submitted a memorandum of their demands that include encouraging use of technology by reducing import rates on equipment, cutting GST on pesticides and ensuring all farm produce falls in lowest GST slab.
Expressing satisfaction with the meeting, Agriculture Minister said that the ball is in the court of the protesting farmers.
The government is and has been open for clause by clause discussion of the three laws with all groups.
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh also said that agriculture is the backbone of our economy adding that new reforms in agriculture law are for the welfare of farmers.
Meanwhile, the farmers protesting in the National Capital region sat on a symbolic day long hunger strike. Some political parties tried to score points by joining them as well. BJP hit out at them for misleading farmers.
On the law and order front, the Uttar Pradesh police has said that some elements were trying to create unrest in the name of farmers’ protest.
It seems that several vested interests are working hand in glove to stall transformational reforms that will empower the farmer and will ensure an increase in their productivity as well as income.
