Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JS/EP)

Udupi, Jan 13: “Farmer’s unions in Udupi, Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada are not in a position to raise their voice against the government,” said Udupi Kisan Congress convener Bhasker Shetty Kundapur.

Addressing a news conference here he said that the current government is charging Rs 15 for the Pahani Patra costing Rs 5.

“Farmers who need it several times are burdened with additional expenditure. Farmers in deemed forest areas have not received the title deeds due to Kasturi Rangan report hurdles. Though the title deeds are issued to a few of the farmers, the government cheats them as there are no bank loan facilities on its basis.”

“The government spends several crores of rupees on development and claims that it is for the farmers saying that they are the backbone of the country. But it fails to declare support prices for the produce on time and also release the subsidy amounts,” he said.

“Electricity is essential for all the agricultural activities of the farmers. Free electricity was provided for pumpsets and shelter was provided under the Bhagya Jyothi scheme. The Centre plans to assign the work of electric billing to private parties. If that happens, farmers will not get free electricity. The state government has not objected to this move as yet. Why doesn’t the government pay compensation if the coconut plantations are spoiled by animals? Brahmavar sugar factory should have been a boon for farmers. The government should set aside Rs 300 crores for its revival in the current budget. The Varahi project should be completed before 2023 and water should be supplied to the farmers,” he said.

Udupi district Kisan Congress president Shashidhar Shetty Elloor, Brahmavar block Kisan Congress president Harish Shetty Kilinje, Hebri block’s Sunder Shettigar, Mudarangadi grama’s Gabriel Mathais and vice president Shekar Kotian Udyavar were present.