BJP govt adopting anti-farmer policies, alleges Ajit Singh

Guntur: Former Union Minister Ajit Singh alleged that the BJP-led government at the Centre was implementing anti-farmer policies as a result the farmers are not getting minimum support price (MSP) and suffering from huge losses. 

Speaking after releasing a book 'Gandhi Padhamlo -Karshaka Pradhani' written by former MP Dr Yalamanchili Sivaji at a programme held at ITA Hall in Guntur city on Thursday, Ajit Singh recalled that the BJP government had reduced import duty on wheat as a result lakhs of tons of wheat was imported from abroad which led to crash in prices.

The import of pulses has increased due to lopsided policies of the Centre, as a result the prices have come down in the country incurring huge losses to farmers, he added.  

Reiterating that 65 per cent of GDP is coming from agriculture, he said the government must take steps to extend helping hand to the farmers. Stating that the government has been extending huge subsidies and incentives to industrialists and businessmen due to their strong lobby, he called upon farmers to be organised to solve their problems.

He said that because of wrong policies of the Centre, petrol and diesel prices were increased burdening the common man.  He reminded the services of Sardar Vallabhai Patel, Acharya N G Ranga and Chowdary Charan Singh for addressing the problems of farmers.  

He recalled that Chowdary Charan Singh had removed excise duty on tobacco and took initiative to reduce prices of fertilizers.  He appreciated former MP Dr Yalamanchili Sivaji for writing book Ganhipadhamlo-Karshana Pradhani. 

Dr Yalamanchili Sivaji reminded his association with former deputy prime minister Chowdary Charan Singh. AP Mahila Commission Chairman Nannapaneni Rajakumari and former minister Vadde Sobhanadreeswara Rao were also present.