jaipur

Updated: Jun 07, 2017 20:45 IST

Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) a peasant’s wing of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is gearing up for a showdown with the government. The organisation will hold an indefinite dharna from June 15 at all the divisional headquarters against the government’s “anti-farmer policies”.

Members of the organisation alleged that the government’s apathetic attitude towards the problems of farmers is compelling the newer generations to give up agriculture. “It is not a good sign for the nation and the economy,” Ram Kumar Nagar, BKS state coordinator said.

“The oppressive and anti-farmer policies of the government have made farmers beggars,” BKS vice-president said. “Suicide by hundreds of farmers because of debt and other economic burdens reflect the poor state of agriculture,” added Rathore.

BKS Ajmer district head Rameshwar Prasad Sharma, alleged that induction of genetically modified (GM) mustard seeds in the state will adversely affect the farmers both in terms of income and production. “Farmers in mustard growing areas will be pushed into the vicious cycle of debt,” Sharma said.

Narayan Sewak, Udaipur district secretary of BKS told HT that their protest will continue until the demands are met by the government.

The members of the organisation alleged that farmers are not getting even the minimum support price for their produce. “In Nagaur and Bikaner, only 1.5% of the Moong production was purchased by the government in these areas at MSP,” said Raghuvir Singh Shekhawat a senior functionary of the organisation.

The organisation has put forth six demands: Call a special session of Vidhan Sabha to debate farmer’s issues; amend electricity policy to give farm connections; give up induction of GM mustard seeds; improve irrigation facilities; give a bonus on milk production and fix MSP of crops 50% over the cost price.