Kolkata, 01 April (H.S.) : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), during a press conference at its West Bengal state headquarters, strongly criticized the state government over the prevailing agrarian crisis, particularly the problems faced by potato farmers, as well as issues related to the electoral rolls.
State chief spokesperson and advocate Debjit Sarkar alleged that several potato farmers in West Midnapore district had died by suicide in the past few weeks. He further claimed that around 136 potato farmers have died by suicide over the past 15 years. According to him, farmers are facing severe financial distress due to the failure to get remunerative prices in the market compared to their cost of production.
He also alleged that restrictions on the inter-state movement of potatoes have adversely affected farmers and increased the role of middlemen in the trade. Instead of ensuring direct procurement from farmers, the market is allegedly being controlled by intermediaries and organised groups, he said.
Sarkar further stated that farmers are facing multiple challenges in storing their produce in cold storages, with reports of potatoes getting damaged in several cases. He blamed administrative gaps and transportation bottlenecks for adding to the financial burden on farmers, pushing many into a cycle of debt.
The BJP leader demanded the implementation of a minimum support price for potato farmers, effective implementation of crop insurance schemes, and immediate financial assistance for affected farmers. He also called for adequate compensation for crop losses caused by natural calamities.
He alleged that the absence of a long-term agricultural policy and poor management have pushed farmers into distress. Similar issues, he claimed, are affecting other agricultural sectors including potato, onion, paddy and jute cultivation.
He also claimed that the fisheries and animal husbandry sectors are facing production and marketing challenges due to the lack of proper policy support, and that farmers and fishermen in the state are not receiving the full benefits of central government schemes.
Referring to Form 6 related to the electoral rolls, Sarkar said it is a constitutional process and should not face any obstruction. He urged the election authorities to ensure that all eligible voters are properly included in the electoral rolls.
Emphasising the need for free and fair elections, he said all necessary steps must be taken to ensure a transparent electoral process. Responding to media queries, he also spoke on law and order, political violence, the role of central probe agencies and the upcoming Assembly elections.
He concluded by stating that the people of West Bengal are seeking change and that this sentiment would be reflected in the coming days.
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh
