10 farmer leaders associated with AIKCC meet Tomar; throw weight behind agrarian laws

In a big development on Monday, 10 farmer leaders associated with All India Kisan Coordination Committee (AIKCC) backed three agrarian laws passed by Parliament. Representatives of farmers' unions from several states such as Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Bihar and Haryana met Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar in national capital. In a memorandum submitted to Tomar, farmer leaders mentioned that AIKCC has always raised its voice against laws that exploit farmers in last three decades.

According to m, some elements involved in farmers' stir were trying to spread misconceptions about agrarian laws among protesters. y argued that farmers should t be forced to adhere to APMCs. Moreover, farmers' representatives warned that y will hit streets if agrarian laws are repealed by Centre. memorandum also listed or demands such as availability of modern techlogy to farmers, reduction of GST on farm equipment and fertilizers and complete repeal of Essential Commodities Act. 

Read: We Will Sensitize People On How Farm Laws Will Be Beneficial To Farmers: Union Law Min

Here is memorandum submitted by AIKCC leaders:

Read: Shun Arrogance And Scrap Farm Laws: Arvind Kejriwal To Centre

Farmers' protest continues

From what started as a scheduled protest in national capital on vember 26 and 27, thousands of farmers are still protesting at borders of Delhi against Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020,  Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020 and Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020. While Centre appealed to m to shift to Nirankari Samagam Ground in Burari, only a section of farmers heeded this call. Apart from  five rounds of meetings that took place between Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Tomar and farmers' leaders, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also met m on one occasion.

However, talks came to a standstill after farmers refused to accept written proposal sent by Centre pertaining to amendments in farm laws. While farmers' unions have hardened ir stance on repeal of laws, Union government has made it clear that it is t ready to do so. At same time, it has expressed willingness to continue talks whenever farmers' unions are ready for a discussion. 

Read: Uttarakhand Farmers Meet Union Agriculture Minister Tomar, Extend Support Over Farm Laws

Read: Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Calls Farm Laws 'much-awaited Reforms' In Agriculture Sector