Diglipur : Concerns over the impact of free trade agreements on agriculture, shortage of essential farm inputs and growing dependence on private suppliers dominated the 6th Andaman & Nicobar State Conference of the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), held at Diglipur. The conference, attended by 53 delegates and observers from different parts of the Islands, called for stronger mobilisation of farmers to safeguard their interests and press for greater government support to the agricultural sector.
Inaugurating the conference, Dr. Vijoo Krishnan, General Secretary of the All India Kisan Sabha, highlighted emerging challenges facing farmers amid changes in India’s foreign trade and agricultural policies. He cautioned that free trade agreements with various countries could expose domestic farmers to increased competition from imported agricultural commodities.
Referring particularly to commodities such as arecanut, Krishnan said a rise in imports could adversely affect farmers producing such crops in India. He also alleged that the Centre was attempting to bring back provisions resembling those contained in the three farm laws that were withdrawn following sustained farmers’ protests.
Krishnan said farmers, agricultural workers and workers were likely to intensify their agitations in the coming months against what he described as “anti-farmer and anti-worker” policies. He also drew attention to the availability of fertilisers, seeds and pesticides in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, urging farmers to strengthen the Kisan Sabha to collectively raise their demands.
Addressing the delegate session, D. Ayyappan, Vice President of the CITU State Committee, raised issues confronting people, particularly in North and Middle Andaman. He alleged that inadequate government supply of agricultural inputs had forced farmers to depend increasingly on private companies.
The conference reviewed the organisation’s activities during the past four years, with SR Mridha, Secretary of the Kisan Sabha State Committee, presenting the organisational report and KP Paul, Treasurer, placing the audited accounts before the delegates.
The proceedings began with the hoisting of the Kisan Sabha flag by State President Dr. Gouranga Maji, followed by floral tributes by delegates and leaders at the martyrs’ memorial erected at the venue.
A presidium comprising Dr. Gouranga Maji and Projit Kumar Sarkar conducted the proceedings. The conference adopted several resolutions concerning farmers and wider public issues and subsequently elected a new State Committee and office-bearers.
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The conference concluded with a public meeting at Diglipur Bazaar, addressed by Dr. Vijoo Krishnan, D. Ayyappan, PK Sarkar and P. Sathyapal. Dr. Gouranga Maji presided.
Caption: AIKS State Conference in Diglipur puts farm-input shortages, trade agreements and farmers’ concerns under the spotlight.
