Nalgonda: All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) general secretary Vijoo Krishnan on Thursday said the proposed free trade agreements with the US, UK, New Zealand and the European Union could undermine Indian agriculture and threaten farmers’ livelihoods.
Addressing a press conference at Somajiguda Press Club, he said farmers in countries such as the US and New Zealand received substantial government subsidies, placing Indian farmers, who received comparatively limited support, at a disadvantage in an open market.
He called for united struggles by farmers, agricultural workers and other sections of society against the policies of the Narendra Modi government.
Krishnan was in Hyderabad to announce the 36th AIKS national conference, scheduled to be held in Nalgonda from November 15 to 18. The inaugural day will feature a procession, a march-past by Red Shirt volunteers and a public meeting at the NG College grounds. Former MP Brinda Karat will attend as the chief guest.
Krishnan alleged that despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s promise to double farmers’ incomes, the agricultural sector had faced mounting difficulties over the past 12 years. He said drought conditions prevailed in 356 districts across the country, with Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan among the worst affected. He accused the Centre of failing to take adequate drought-relief measures.
He demanded 200 days of employment annually under the VB-G RAM G scheme and a daily wage of Rs 700 for rural workers. Recalling the farmers’ agitation against the three farm laws, he said their withdrawal demonstrated the strength of collective action.
AIKS conference invitation committee president Julakanti Ranga Reddy, Telangana Rythu Sangham president Pothineni Sudarshan, its general secretary T. Sagar, and AIKS state leaders M. Shobhan, P. Janga Reddy and Udatha Ravinder were present.
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