Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 5: The Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) and Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA), a national body of farmers made a representation to Members of Parliament at an interactive session to discuss the opportunities and challenges for India to realize Prime Minister’s target of doubling farmer incomes by 2022, at an ASSOCHAM event held at Union capital today.
Speaking on the occasion, DS Rawat, secretary general, ASSOCHAM, said, “It is encouraging that the Prime Minister has set a target for Indian farmers to double their income by 2022, which will have a huge impact on the revival of the Indian economy. However, the Government must carry all sections of farmers together and not discriminate against the tobacco farmers, who have made an immense contribution towards India’s cash crop farm economy.”
BV Javare Gowda, president, FAIFA, said, “Rather than addressing the plight of tobacco farmers, India is hosting the 7th session of the Conference of Parties (CoP) to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in November, 2016. This conference will add further misery to the poor Indian tobacco farmer. ” We appeal to the Government of India that Indian farmers must be part of the official delegation of CoP7, else it would put livelihood of millions at risk without any public health benefit,” he added.
Gadde Seshagiri Rao, Vice- President, FAIFA, said, “It is disheartening that the Indian tobacco farmer today is subjected to the worst ever discrimination by way of harsh policies and attacks on their livelihoods without providing either a scientific justification or an alternative to safeguard their interests. ” We appeal to all the respected Members of Parliament to withdraw 85% warning rule and adopt the recommendations made by the Parliamentary Committee on Subordinate Legislation which has recommended 50% warnings on cigarette packs,” Rao said.
Murali Babu, general secretary, FAIFA said, “For the first time since independence, this year, 22 tobacco farmers committed suicide, as tobacco crops became unrenumerative. With Tobacco Board cutting the crop size by 30%, the situation of tobacco farmers will get worst. Government needs to urgently provide solutions to tobacco farmers,” he said.
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