Banswara, April 16: Farmers in Banswara are expressing significant anger over the delayed payments for Kharif disaster relief and crop insurance. Led by the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, farmers submitted a memorandum to the District Collector addressed to the Chief Minister, warning that if their demands are not met, they will surround the collectorate with tractors and trolleys.
Farmer leaders stated that a large number of farmers from the Garhi, Ghatol, and Ganoda areas will gather to protest. They made it clear that if a resolution is not reached soon, a strong demonstration will take place at the Banswara collectorate.
Present at the meeting were several farmer representatives, including Ranchor Patidar, Vice President of the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, District President Khomji Patel, and District Secretary. The farmers emphasized that they will intensify their protests if payments continue to be delayed.
According to union officials, despite the Chief Minister’s announcement on March 10 to start wheat procurement at the support price, farmers have not been able to benefit from it. They have submitted memorandums twice previously, but there has been no concrete action from the administration or the government.
Concerns Over ‘Zero Production’ Claims
The memorandum expressed dissatisfaction regarding many farmers being reported with ‘zero’ production. Farmer leaders argue that if the administration considers production to be zero, then disaster relief and crop insurance payments should be made immediately. They demanded that the pending amounts be released without delay.
Key Demands from FCI and Administration
Farmers presented several demands to the Food Corporation of India and other relevant agencies:
– Increase the quantity of wheat purchased per bigha at support price centers.
– Extend the 15% discount on quality standards due to adverse weather conditions.
– Expedite the establishment of new procurement centers as determined by Rajfed.
– Resolve issues related to land measurement in Ganoda tehsil.