NEW DELHI: Opposition MPs in Lok Sabha slammed govt on Friday for ignoring farmers in Budget, while discussing the demands for grants for the agriculture ministry. They also sought clarity from Centre on reports that it had allowed duty-free imports of US agriculture and dairy products and warned that such a move could severely impact Indian farmers.
SP MP Dharmendra Yadav accused Centre of waiving off loans worth Rs 16 lakh crore of industrialists but refusing to grant loan waivers to farmers saying they will be a heavy burden on the exchequer. Initiating the debate on demands for grants of agriculture and farmers welfare ministry in Lok Sabha, the Azamgarh MP said the Budget allocation is very disappointing where 2.7 % share of the entire Budget has been allocated to this ministry.
“They (Govt) give sermons about farmers but have hatred for farmers in their hearts. During this govt’s tenure, loans worth Rs 16 lakh crore given to industrialists have been waived off by different banks while govt is silent on loan waivers for farmers… Misleading farmers that loan waiver will be a heavy burden on exchequer. It will not cost much,” he said.
Congress MP Jai Prakash said farmers were beaten with sticks, resembling the British rule when they organised protests. “Over 700 farmers died during protests and if you still want to introduce those farm laws, we will oppose it. Do not issue such ‘black warrants’ which are just weakening farmers,” he said.
DMK MP TM Selvaganapathi slammed Centre for reversing India’s long-standing policy of reducing dependence on US wheat imports. The Salem MP sounded an alarm over reports that govt had agreed to allow duty-free imports of agriculture and dairy products from the US.
Congress’ Punjab MP Charanjit Singh Channi raised concern over govt’s position on slashing import duties on grains. “America’s president has openly stated they would impose reciprocal taxes and that India agreed to lower import duties on grains. If that is the case, what will happen to our country’s agricultural produce?” he asked.
