GST on agri tools detrimental to farmers: Congress

Hyderabad: Imposition of the goods and services tax (GST) on tools and other goods used in agriculture would hurt farmers who are already distressed, former Congress MP V Hanumantha Rao said here today.

Congress leaders and workers, led by Rao, held a dharna here against the imminent rolling out of the indirect tax regime on agriculture-related goods and services. He said the protesting Congress leaders and activists were removed from the spot by the police. "Farmers are already facing distress.

They are agitating for MSP (minimum support price). If GST is imposed on agriculture, it will hurt them further," Rao said. Chilli farmers in Telangana recently held protests over the lack of a remunerative price for their produce, he said.