Farmer Leaders Stopped at Secretariat Gate Over Drought Demand in Gandhinagar
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Farmer leaders who reached Gandhinagar to demand the declaration of drought in Gujarat were stopped from entering the state Secretariat on Tuesday. Security personnel told them that they were “blacklisted” and could not enter. The leaders later submitted their petition at the main gate, demanding financial help for farmers affected by crop losses.
Farmers Seek Crop Loss Assistance
Farmer representatives, including farmer leader Bharatsinh Jhala, reached the Secretariat with several demands related to the ongoing Kharif season. In their petition, they demanded ₹25,000 per hectare as crop-loss assistance, with a maximum limit of four hectares per farmer. They also demanded a waiver of agriculture-related loans on the lines of other states.
Support for Farmers and Farm Workers
The farmers also demanded proper arrangements for green and dry fodder and drinking water for livestock. They sought financial relief for farm workers who have lost employment because farming activities have been affected. The leaders demanded that such workers should also receive financial assistance to support their families.
Year-Long Relief Package Demanded
The farmer leaders said the failure of Kharif crops would make it difficult for many farmers to survive until the next year. They therefore demanded that the government announce an economic relief package covering the entire year, instead of providing compensation only for the current crop losses.
The leaders said immediate government support was necessary as farmers are facing serious financial difficulties due to crop damage. They urged the government to take a quick decision on their demands and provide relief to affected farmers, livestock owners and farm workers.
The farmer leaders warned in their petition that if the government does not take a quick and positive decision on their demands, farmers across Gujarat will launch an agitation in the coming days. Despite being stopped at the Secretariat entrance, the leaders managed to submit their demands at the main gate.
