Kolkata: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) affiliate Bharatiya Kisan Sangha (BKS) has opened a Kolkata chapter to make urban people aware about the real challenges faced by the farmers in West Bengal.
In Bengal, farmers are facing various problems to keep their produce due to shortage of cold-storage space, unorganized trade system promoted by the middlemen, black-marketing, high pendency of money from rice mills, lack of good quality seeds and threat from money lenders.
In recent years few suicides were also reported from various parts of Bengal and this has forced BKS to take farmer’s issue to the masses living in cities and town.
Speaking to News18, Bengal President of BKS, Nandlal Kat, said, “Urban people are often fascinated by village life but they have no idea the kind of problem farmers are facing in day to day life. They are the real heroes who provide food for us and it is our responsibility to share their problems.”
“We have decided to open the Kolkata chapter to fill the gap between the farmers and the urban population. It could be in terms donation, scientific suggestion, technological help in farming and most importantly respect for each other,” he said.
Claiming that most of the people living in urban areas are least bothered about farmer’s plight, Kat said, “This trend is not good and only encouraging the multinational companies to flood markets with their product on higher prices. We have to keep on telling people in cities to think for the welfare of farmers.”
He alleged that in last 30 years nothing has been done for the welfare of farmers in Bengal. “There is a sharp drop in prices of potato and rice this year due to overproduction. There is no space in the cold storage to keep it. We are fearing that nearly 50% potato will be wasted this year in Bengal,” he said while adding that 15 scientists from Kalyani Agriculture College have already joined BKS to chalk out plans for the welfare of farmers.
Interestingly, BKS backed state Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for a power project at Bhangar in South 24 Parganas district. For the last few months Bhangar has witnessed a large scale violence and clashes between the police and farmers. BJP and CPI (M) accused Mamata for forcibly grabbing the land of farmers.
He said, “Farming and village development both are necessary. I don’t see any problem with the power project. There are solution to every problem and one has to take initiative to resolve it amicably.”
Yesterday, Mamata while addressing a public meet in Bhangar, said, “Our government is always with the farmers. Don’t pay heed to rumours and if you have any grievances please come to me directly. We are always there to solve your issues. Please do not fall in their trap. Bengal is the only state to waive off any tax on agricultural land.”
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