Over 2,000 members of the farming community come together for a common cause, not just to discuss their problems and but also to demand MSP for all farm products.
The meeting was organised under the banner of Kerala Farmers Federation (KeFF) on Wednesday at Kochi to highlight various demands including fixing MSP for all farm produces or sustainable pricing of the commodities.
The meeting raised its concern over the government remaining a mute spectator as several issues affect farmers, particularly exploitation by middlemen. There was a time when farmers could directly sell their produce and earn a decent income.
Besides financial crisis, farmers are facing several other problems including eviction from their farm land and issues connected with land lease rights.
It also came out with a declaration of rights of farmers, demanding the government to reconsider its decision to impose 50 per cent tax on agriculture income when the corporate sector is paying 30 per cent tax.
The government should also initiate steps to procure rubber at ₹200/kg and impose restrictions on imports as well as cup lumps and rubber compound waste.