New Delhi, May 20 (IANS): A delegation of the Kisan Congress on Wednesday met Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and demanded debt relief, farmer's health insurance, Rs 10,000 per month cash assistance till the next harvest and diesel subsidy to farmers. It also demanded the FCI purchase the crops directly from farmers.
The delegation was led by Kisan Congress Vice Chairman Surender Solanki, along with Manikant Sisodia, Natioanl Joint Coordinator, Sandeep Hooda Vice Chairman Kisan Congress, Haryana, Ajit Rai, National Joint Coordinator, Ajit vashisht Vice Chairman Kisan Congress Delhi and K.D. Dwivedi National Joint Coordinator.
Before meeting the Agriculture Minister, the Kisan Congress delegation sat in in protest in front of Tomar's residence during the day.
Following the protest outside his residence, Tomar agreed to meet the delegation on Wednesday evening.
The Kisan Congress leaders said they have been writing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman demanding the farm loan waiver during the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
Solanki said due to unplanned lockdown, farmers are going through a tough time. "They have to pay heavily for the loans. Farmers are needy, and they provide food to 130 crore Indians, pay taxes and help in our economy," Solanki said.
He said labourers involved in the agriculture sector too are going through the worst situation. "They don't have money to sustain themselves. We urge Modi government to provide them some relief too," he added.