Excelsior Correspondent
SUNDERBANI, June 3: Chairman, All J&K Kissan Union and former Legislator, Ashok Sharma today demanded Rs 500 crore relief package for drought hit 40 lakh farmers of Jammu region. He also demanded issuance of Kissan Credit Card (KCC) and pass books before November 2012 besides making of entry regarding loss of Rabi crop.
While addressing a largely attended dharna at Sunderbani organized by farmers in support of their demands, Sharma pleaded for formulating a comprehensive farm policy for the State, so that the losses caused to standing crops, orchards and live stocks due to drought, excessive rains, floods hail storms and various diseases could be offset by providing them full compensation for such loss.
Referring to the long dry spell prevailed in Jammu region during last two months, the former legislator demanded a special package of Rs 500 crore to compensate the farmers whose Rabi crops got damaged. He also advocated for providing free seeds, fertilizers and other agriculture inputs to the farmers for the Kharif crop.
Sharma also pleaded for strengthening of local-self Government by incorporating 73rd and 74th Amendments in the State Constitution.
The AJKKU vice-chairman, MS Jamwal pleaded for crop and cattle insurance on Government expenses. He urged the farmers to unite themselves on single platform to fight against their exploitation.
General secretary, AJKKU in his speech demanded augmentation of irrigation facilities and bringing of small and marginal farmers under BPL category besides reservation of seats for their children in professional, technical and institutions of higher learning.
The other demands highlighted by various speakers were setting up of fire control stations at vulnerable places to save ripe crop from fire, fresh survey of BPL and establishment of Kissan mandies to prevent the exploitation of farmers by middleman and establishment of Kissan Bhawans at block, district and division levels.
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