Excelsior Correspondent
AKHNOOR, June 30: Chairman, All J&K Kissan Union and former Legislator, Ashok Sharma, demanded a special relief package worth Rs 500 crore for drought hit 40 lakh farmers of Jammu region.
While addressing a largely attended dharna at Pargwal here, organised by All J&K Kissan Union, in support of the demands of agitating farmers, Sharma pleaded for formulating a comprehensive farm policy for the State so that the losses caused to standing crops, orchards and livestock due to drought, excessive rains, floods, hail storm and various diseases could be offset by providing them full compensation for such loss. The former legislator demanded Rs 500 crore to compensate the farmers whose Rabi crops got damaged due to these factors.
He also pleaded for strengthening of local self Government by incorporating 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments in the State’s Constitution to decentralize the powers. He further urged upon the Government to issue Kissan Credit Card and Land Pass books before November 2012.
Sharma urged the Director, CAPD, Jammu, to fix support and procurement price of milk.
Other demands highlighted on the occasion were crop and cattle insurance on Government expenses, establishments of Kisan Bhawans at different levels, augmentation of irrigation facilities, promoting rain water harvesting management, providing latest techniques of dry land farming to the farmers, bringing small and marginal farmers under BPL category, reservation of seats for their children in various educational institutions, etc.
Vice-chairman, AJKKU, MS Jamwal, urged the farmers to unite themselves on single platform to fight against their exploitation. He appealed the masses of Jammu region to give full support to the agitating farmers.
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