News

Indian PM makes fresh appeal to farmers protesting over new laws

December 25, 2020 06:22 PM


Twitter Share Facebook Share WhatsApp Share

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday offered to hold fresh talks to end a stalemate over new agricultural reforms, in his latest push to win over farmers protesting for almost a month against the move.

Tens of thousands of farmers have been camping out near several entry points to New Delhi since November 26 against three new laws they say will lead to dismantling of regulated markets.

They also fear the government would stop buying wheat and rice at guaranteed prices, leaving them at the mercy of big corporates.

In a speech beamed live to millions of farmers across the country, Modi sought to allay their misgivings, insisting the laws, passed in September, would give them the freedom to sell their produce "anywhere and to anyone they like".

"Lies are being spread that the local mandis (markets) will shut down, the minimum support price will be stopped... don't be misguided by those having political motives," Modi, 70 said.

"I am saying this with humility that we are ready to discuss every issue of the farmers, even with those (political parties) who are against us, for the sake of our farmers."

Modi also released $2.5 billion to 90 million farmers under a financial scheme that his party launched last year.

Under the direct cash transfer scheme, small farmers get 6,000 rupees ($82) in four instalments in a year.

Modi also interacted with seven farmers from different states via a video conference in which they praised the government's various farm schemes. 

Agriculture employs about 70 percent of India's 1.3 billion people and accounts for 15 percent of its $2.7 trillion economy.

But in recent decades farm incomes have stagnated, and experts say the sector badly needs investment and modernisation.

Farmer unions have demanded a total repeal of the laws and warned of a bigger agitation if their demands are not met.

Several rounds of talks between ministers and farmer leaders have failed to produce a breakthrough so far.

 

 



Most Read

  1. Five more children die as death toll from measles in Dadu reaches 27 Five more children die as death toll from measles in Dadu reaches 27
  2. Zuhab Khan and Wania Nadeem's love story culminates in heartfelt Nikah ceremony Zuhab Khan and Wania Nadeem's love story culminates in heartfelt Nikah ceremony
  3. Sharmin Segal says NO to Salman Khan's marriage proposal Sharmin Segal says NO to Salman Khan's marriage proposal
  4. Ahmed Ali Akbar drops clue of ‘Parizaad’ Season 2 Ahmed Ali Akbar drops clue of ‘Parizaad’ Season 2
  5. 'Arrogant' student hurls bolttle at Indian singer Sunidhi Chauhan's face during concert 'Arrogant' student hurls bolttle at Indian singer Sunidhi Chauhan's face during concert
  6. Fan kisses Durefishan Saleem at Ishq Murshid cinema screening Fan kisses Durefishan Saleem at Ishq Murshid cinema screening

Opinion

  1. 9th May - A year later
    9th May - A year later

    By Mutaza Solangi

  2. Everything but the truth in Telegraph
    Everything but the truth in Telegraph

    By Mutaza Solangi

  3. PM Shehbaz Sharif, WEF and Pakistan
    PM Shehbaz Sharif, WEF and Pakistan

    By Naveed Aman Khan

  4. Employing global best practices in Pakistan-Saudi ties
    Employing global best practices in Pakistan-Saudi ties

    By Nasim Zehra

  5. PML-N smashed PTI in by-polls
    PML-N smashed PTI in by-polls

    By News Desk

  6. Riding the Digital Wave: How Technology is Rewriting the Script of Economic Prosperity
    Riding the Digital Wave: How Technology is Rewriting the Script of Economic Prosperity

    By News Desk