April 21, 2015
Sudip Bandyopadhyay speaks in Lok Sabha on the plight of potato farmers | Full Transcript
Full Transcript
Farmers have been forced to go for distress sale. They are been compelled to sell potatoes at the rate of Rs 3-3.50 per kg which is far below their production cost. It is a very pathetic situation.
Govt of West Bengal is purchasing potatoes for ICDS and mid-day meal programme at the rate of Rs 5-5.50 per kg from farmers. Similarly, mango is a tasty fruit; it is expected that there will be a bumper level of production of mangoes this summer.
The farmers take loans for their farming. It would be good if the farmers affected by nonseasonal rainfall, as announced by the government of India, be granted waiver from the loans they have taken from the respective banks.
The government of India should interact with State Chief Ministers or the Ministers of the concerned departments to take a positive decision to save these potato farmers and the mango growers in the country as a whole and particularly West Bengal.
