Farmers’ protest over minimum support price, loan, compensation:Oppose FIRs on stubble burning; submit memorandum to administration

Farmers staged a strong protest in Indore on Monday over their various demands. Under the banner of the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, they raised slogans and marched to the Collector’s office, expressing their protest against the government and administration. The farmers presented all their demands before ADM Roshan Rai and submitted a memorandum. The farmers said the date for procurement of wheat at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) is being extended repeatedly, causing them financial losses. The government has extended the procurement date till April 10, while the last date for payment at cooperative societies was March 28. In such a situation, farmers questioned how they are expected to deposit the money. 60% farmers defaulters, burden of interest Farmers said that due to the deadline not being extended, around 60% of them have become defaulters. They are now facing 7% interest and a 14% penalty, worsening their financial crisis. They added that the promise made last year to refund interest to defaulter farmers has not yet been fulfilled. Opposition to FIR on stubble burning Farmers also opposed action being taken over stubble burning. They said that until the government provides a permanent solution for stubble management, registering FIRs and imposing fines on farmers is unjust. They demanded that, considering the bumper production this year, wheat procurement should be done at the rate of 11 quintals per bigha. They also termed the lack of proper gunny bags (bardana) arrangement as a major administrative lapse. Other Major Demands of Farmers