Shimla Sept 2 Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) have decided to cordon Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur during his upcoming Shillai tour for charging of APMC Market fee from the farmers. In a press statement issued here they said that BKU would not allow the APMC to exploit the farmers moreover Thakur has not done anything to help the distressed farmers of Sirmaur and Shillai area as the cash crop of Tomato , Ginger and Garlic is not getting fair and remunerative prices in the market.
BKU state President Anider Singh Nauti said in a press statement issued here today that Farmers from Shillai and other regions were forced to bear the heavy burnt of transport fee due to closing down of NH707 after the heavy landslide. Farmers which are already bearing the burden of heavy transport cost due to hike of fuel prices have to now spend more from pockets as they are left with no other option than to send vegetables through the long and alternate routes after closing down of NH707.
Chief Minister likely to go on Shillai visit shortly would be cordoned for apathy of State Government toward all farmers of the area. If Thakur did not want to face their wrath he should announce advance measures in interest of farmers. BKU said that CM should announce APMC market yard for Timbi area of Shillai and provide sufficient budget for the same.
Nauti said that vacant place at Haripur of Paonta Sahib should be converted into Wheat and Rice grain procurement centre after acquiring the land. BKU also demanded announcement of minimum support prices (MSP) for the Tomato, Garlic and Ginger crop to provide remunerative and fair prices to affected farmers. Farmer leader also warned the Jai Ram Govt that the entire area would boycott the election in the future if their demand would not be met.
Apple Growers and Tomato farmers in Himachal Pradesh are agitated about Jai Ram Government for not intervening and supporting them as their markets have been facing slump. These farmers are seeking transport subsidy as the producers are not getting optimum return of their input costs. They said that day is not far when farmers and apple growers have to forcefully take extreme steps as many of them are heading into a debt trap due to frequent failure of crops and crashing of markets.
