Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS), a prominent farmers' organization in Karnataka, conducted a peaceful protest known as "raitha satyagraha" across the state on Thursday. The objective of the demonstration was to urge the government to repeal what the farmers' group referred to as anti-farmer laws, namely the Karnataka Land Reforms Act, anti-cow slaughter law, and APMC Act.
KRRS members gathered in all district centers to express their discontent and submitted petitions to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah through the respective Deputy Commissioners of the districts. As a result of the collective efforts, the State Cabinet responded by repealing the APMC Act, marking a significant achievement for the protesting farmers.
Badagalapura Nagendra, the State president of KRRS, spearheaded the protest in Mysuru district and voiced concerns regarding the amended version of the Karnataka Land Reforms Act. He highlighted the potential negative impact on food security at both the state and national levels.
Nagendra criticized the previous BJP administration for allowing non-farmers to purchase farmland without income limitations, which resulted in large portions of farmland falling into the hands of capitalists. He called for the imposition of conditions on changing the land-use patterns of farmland to address this issue effectively.
Nagendra also criticized the anti-cow slaughter legislation, claiming that it was detrimental to farmers. He pointed out that the legislation imposed restrictions on farmers, preventing them from slaughtering worthless cows or male HF calves. Additionally, it hindered the exchange of cattle as farmers needed permission from authorities to transport their livestock. Nagendra argued that the legislation had negatively impacted dairy farming in the state and lacked a farmer-centric approach, failing to recognize farmers as the guardians of cows.
Regarding the APMC legislation, Nagendra demanded the complete withdrawal of the law. Furthermore, he called upon the government to take proactive measures to strengthen traditional markets in rural areas and establish farmers' markets in urban areas. These initiatives would enable direct sales of agricultural produce from farmers to consumers, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship.
Nagendra cautioned that if the government delays the process of repealing these laws, the KRRS would be compelled to launch a sustained campaign to address the farmers' grievances effectively.
Drawing attention to the Congress party's promise to implement the M.S. Swaminathan committee report, which advocates for remunerative prices for farmers' produce, Nagendra urged the government to prioritize the fulfillment of this pledge in the best interest of the farming community.
