Farmers hailing from 26 states of the country favoured a revolutionary change and not reform of the farming sector. After a brainstorming session with the chief minister Mr K Chandrasekhar Rao, scores of farmers representing various states said they were ignorant of their power of vote and unity.
Impressed by the observations made by the chief minister, the farmers said they would henceforth combine both agitation and political activity. They now realised that their vote could tilt the prospects of the political parties. They would choose a party that is farmer-friendly. Mr Chandrasekhar Rao pointed out that farmers should unite across the country and let there be a single union of farmers. Then they can bargain for farmer-friendly policies and legislation from the governments.
More than 70 percent of the population depends on agriculture and it is a way of life for the rural population. They should have more welfare schemes and good returns for their hard work such as minimum support prices. Mr Rao appreciated the Punjab farmers for putting up a brave fight against the BJP over draconian farm laws and forcing it to withdraw the same.
The farmers from Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Karnataka, and other states said they were impressed by the Telangana government’s schemes such as free power and irrigation water, Rythu Bandhu, Rythu Bheema to farmers. They would fight for the same schemes in their respective states.
They urged the Telangana chief minister Mr K Chandrasekhar Rao to coordinate all the farmers’ associations in the country and bring them under one umbrella. They wanted him to lead the organisation as he had a perfect understanding of the agricultural sector and farmers’ welfare.
A team of farmers arrived in Telangana three days ago and went around the facilities in different districts. They were impressed by the support being extended to the farmers and shared their experiences with chief minister Mr Rao. For the last two days, they were having a series of meetings with the chief minister learning from him and sharing their plight in their respective states.
By Gollapudi Srinivasa Rao