BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 8th May 2024: All India Krishak Sabha (AIKS) state committee secretary Pabitra Kar said today that a statewide protest would soon be launched to highlight the plight of farmers and agricultural laborers in the state, urging the government to address their issues.
During a press conference held this afternoon, Kar stated that a meeting of the All India Krishak Sabha State Secretariat took place yesterday, with representatives from all districts in attendance.
“During the discussions, the dire situation faced by farmers in the state came to light. Boro rice, which is cultivated in five districts of the state, couldn’t be grown on 50 percent of the land this year due to water shortages. Aush paddy cultivation is limited to Kamalpur,” Kar explained. “Despite these challenges, the government has not provided any support to the farmers.”
Kar also alleged severe shortages of various essentials, including food, in rural areas over the past three to four months due to lack of work. He criticized the government for not clearing dues owed to workers, particularly in tribal areas, and highlighted the distress of rubber farmers due to price hikes.
The secretary pointed out that farmers faced significant losses from natural calamities last December, without receiving any assistance. “Since April 26, extensive crop damage has been reported in various areas, with incidents such as house destruction in Charilam and human casualties due to wild elephant attacks in Teliamura sub-division,” Kar added.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the government’s response, Kar emphasized the need to draw attention to these issues through protests and by standing in solidarity with the affected people.
