The Lok Satta Party today wanted the Government to unveil a package to farmers, tenants and agricultural workers all of whom have been thrown into despair and despondency because of the monsoon failure.
Talking to the media, party spokespersons V. Laxman Balaji and Y. Ramadevi said the Government, instead of formulating a contingency plan to meet the feared drought, chose to propitiate the rain God by organizing ‘Varuna yagam.’
“The need of the hour is enlightening farmers on alternative crops and ensuring them the necessary inputs. Priority has to be given to supply of drinking water and fodder for cattle in badly affected areas. Dairying should be encouraged wherever the conditions are conducive to it. Collection of loans from farmers should be postponed.”
The Lok Satta leaders also suggested that works under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme be grounded on a large scale as tens of thousands of small and marginal farmers and tenants would be on the look out for work and livelihood in the wake of crop failure.
The Government could start agri-clinics at the rate of one for every 3000 acres so that they could go to the rescue of farmers by supplying inputs and extending technical assistance.
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