Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, Jan 12: The Kisan Sabha, established in 1981 and having long history of struggles for the cause of farmers, reiterated its demand of providing district status to Billawar on its 45th Foundation Day function held at Panchayat Gurha Kalyal in Billawar sub division today.
Representatives of farmers from various parts of Jammu province and Punjab participated. Hari Chand Jalmeria, president J&K unit of the Sabha presided whereas Dr Satnam Singh Ajnala, president of Jamhoori Kisan Sabha Punjab was the chief guest and Natha Singh general secretary CTU from Pathankot the guest of honour.
Speaking on the occasion, Jalmeria gave details of the historical growth of Kisan Sabha during the past 45 years. He said history of Kisan Sabha is full of struggles, achievements, projecting farmers’ issues and creating class awareness. Before the formation of Kisan Sabha, the farmers, rural population in general, were unorganized and voiceless. The Kisan Sabha expanded its reach through campaigns and struggles.
The contribution of all those who gave time and energy in building and carrying forward Kisan Sabha in 45 years, were remembered and rich tribute were paid to those who have left the world.
Dr Satnam Singh Ajnala was critique of National Policy framework on Agriculture Marketing saying that it was not in the interest of farmers but of big business houses interested in expanding their business in agriculture.
Joginder Singh, district president Billawar, Makhan Jamodia-ex Sarpanch; secretary Sarpanches-Budhi Singh, Karan Dev Singh, Romal Singh besides Chand Spolia, Raj Kumar, Shanker Singh Chib and also spoke on the occasion.
The Sabha adopted resolutions demanding district status for Billawar, opening of Agriculture University Center in Billawar area instead of building Jail at Dambra village, major part of Country’s budget be spent for farmers’ development, procurement, storage and marketing facilities at Panchayat levels at profitable rates, irrigation water to all agricultural field in plain, Kandi and Pahari areas by adopting various methods of constructing of check dams, ponds adopting some other schemes for conservation of water for irrigation besides making deep bore wells on community basis.
The raring of cattle, poultry, sheep and goat is integrated part of farming community. They need to be strengthened and encouraged. The artisans like carpenters, blacksmiths, bamboo workers, weavers, cobblers have been inalienable part of the rural society. There is almost no market facility to cocoon growers, silk production was major industry during pre 1947. Instead of developing it, it has been neglected directly affecting the cocoon growing farmers. The wool based “Khaddi Industry” has almost died. There is urgent need to revive and sustain this industry, resolution said.
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