Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network–Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Jun 27: “During the term of Modi-led BJP government, the price for areca nut has fallen down drastically. When UPA was in power, the price of (red areca) was Rs 1 lac per quintal. This is because union government is lobbying the gutkha companies and favouring the businessmen,” said Sachin Miga, president of Kisan Cell of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC).

He was addressing a press meet at district Congress office here on Monday, June 27.

"Areca is being imported illegally from countries like Malaysia, Burma, and Indonesia without paying tax to government through Kolkata port. Recently Kolkata port customs officers seized a huge consignment of areca belonging to Bimal Kumar Modi. But it was recovered by him using the BJP government's influence. Bimal Kumar is a confidante of Narendra Modi. Modi government is working in favour of businessmen. Kisan Congress will hold protest in the border of Kolkata within 15 days,” he added.

“The central government is spending Rs 2,000 crore for the statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel ignoring the plight of farmers. Let the government waive off the loans of farmers first. During the elections, D V Sadananda Gowda, Shobha Karandlaje and Nalin Kumar had assured that they would file the certificate to Supreme Court of India stating that 'Areca is not injurious to health', but even though it is two years now, it has not been done. In the interest of farmers, BJP leaders should take delegation to Prime Minister demanding to waive off 50% loan of farmers in nationalized banks.” Miga said.

“The union government should give pension to farmers like the pension given to the soldiers. National Crop Policy of BJP government is unscientific and it will not be useful to the farmers. 1,300 farmers have committed suicide in the state out which 96 are areca farmers.” Miga concluded.

MLA JR Lobo, Ibrahim Kodijal interim president, AICC member PV Mohan, T K Sudhir director KSRTCC and other were present.