HDK urges government to safe-guard farmers interest amid lockdown

Bengaluru: Former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy urged the Karnataka government to safeguard the lives of farmers in Karnataka as many of the agricultural products have been destroyed due to transport restrictions in the state on Monday, March 30.

Highlighting the plight of the farmers, Kumaraswamy in a tweet said, “The corona virus is an invisible war ahead of us. It is today’s urgency to fight against it. But it is our duty to protect ourselves in the event of war. Let us protect the peasantry in the midst of this war. Lets ensure the public needs are met.”

“Incidents like Sapota thrown on streets in Mandya, Grapes put in dustbin in Chikkaballapur, destruction of tomatoes in Kolar and stoppage of milk diary in Shimoga explains the situation our farmers are facing today. I am scared that this situation may get severe in upcoming days,” he said.

“There is the necessity of making arrangements for the purchase of agricultural products soon. Otherwise the agriculture sector will suffer. Its consequences are terrible. It also effects economy and farmers’ families I am worried about it,” former Chief Minister said.

He suggested the government to create a committee of volunteers, officials and associations at the village level to prevent the virus infection.

He also suggested the government to buy the agricultural products by create groups of volunteers along with Hop-coms, KMF and later should be distributed at the city ward level. Many small shops are serving the needy products to public beyond the malls.

Kumarawamy also urged the government that there should not be any restriction on transportation of agricultural products as these products are necessary for lives of farmers and food of people.