#MagadhDivision #Farmers’Convention by #LokSamiti

27 October 2018, Silaunja (Bodhgaya): Under auspices of Bihar Pradesh Lok Samiti, a convention of farmers from Magadh Division was held at the premises of Lord Buddha Home for Children in Silaunja village near Bodhgaya (Gaya). The program was presided by Mr. Girija Satish, President, Rashtriya Lok Samiti. During opening speech, Mr. Kaushal Ganesh Azad (National Coordinator, Lok Samiti) has thrown light over the adverse situation being tolerated by farmers and pointed out that Minimum Support Price is for these people only while other producers can decide the price of their products. This equation must be changed, Mr. Azad said.

As the chief guest of this farmers’ convention, Mrs. Kusum Kumari (Vice-Chancellor, Munger University) opined that the issues like agriculture, education, unemployment are interconnected and people should question over misuse of public/govt. money. She described skill development, student focused education, self-reliance as need of the time and appealed for women’s participation. Mr. Ray Madan Kishor (Ex-Dy. Dev. Commissioner) was the guest of honour who expressed concern above less contribution from agriculture to our GDP and a larger population’s dependence to this sector. He suggested to implement the recommendations by Swaminathan Committee which includes land reform, assured irrigation, water conservation, easy loan etc. From chair, Mr. Girija Satish suggested for major reforms in agriculture policy of the governmeent and a special drive to boost our farmers. He supported for alternatives, 90% subsidy for irrigation and strong organization for them. The national president of Lok Samiti said that agriculture development schemes should be planned by farmers themselves.

There were community delegates like Mrs. Godavari Devi, Mr. Vishnu Singh, Mr. Jagannath Singh, Mr. Dhananjay Singh, Mr. Ram Sagar Bhai, Mr. Parmeshwar Yadav, Mr. Nagendra Sinha, Mr. Ram Vilas, Mr. Upendra Prasad, Mr. Vishnudev Paswan, Mr. Angrej Kumar, Mr. Raj Kumar, Mr. Kailash Prasad, Mr. Sanjay Kumar from Aurangabad, Jehanabad, Alwar, Barachatti, Nawada who demanded for industry like category for agriculture, water conservation and speedy way out for local issues. Also they proposed for a strong vote bank of farmers as the community. Mr. Sheoji Singh (General Secretary, Bihar Pradesh Lok Samiti) has anchored the dais while Mr. Saudagar (Coordinator, BPLS) thanked all the guests, participants, media  people and supporters at the end. There were about 150 farmers attended the convention.