Economy benefitted much from agriculture in lockdown: Raju Shetty

Aurangabad, July 11:

“The Agriculture laws made by the Central Government are against farmers who came at one platform after learning its risk. The farmers' agitation continues in spite of lockdown across the country. The agitation would have reached every corner of the country had there been no lockdown. Farmers from BJP ruled States-Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh have not allowed farmers to participate in agitation at Delhi,” said Raju Shetty, president Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghathana (SSS).

He was speaking in an online lecture organised by Loksamvad Foundation on Sunday on ‘New Agriculture Laws and Farmers Agitation in Delhi.’ Foundation president Dr Rajesh Karpe was also present. Raju Shetty said that farmers had not demanded the three new laws.

“Agriculture sector helped in sustaining country’s economy during lockdown period. Big capitalists saw profit in agricultural produces. So, they offered to invest in this sector. New farm laws came into existence because of agriculture produce demand in lockdown,” he said.

SSS president said that farmers should get assured prices for their produce while there is no provision about it in the laws.

He alleged that the amendment essential commodities act would help to purchase agricultural produces and keep their stock.