MUMBAI: Raising concerns over growing agrarian distress, the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) on Monday announced a series of nationwide agitations, including participation in a countrywide Jail Bharo movement on August 10, following a two-day meeting of its Central Kisan Committee in Mumbai.The meeting, attended by farmers’ leaders from across the country at the YMCA Centre on June 28-29, resolved to intensify protests over what the organisation described as worsening conditions faced by farmers due to government policies.In a statement issued after the meeting, AIKS said key issues discussed included falling farmgate prices, rising cultivation costs, crop insurance concerns, land acquisition, fertiliser shortages, alleged shortcomings in farm loan waiver schemes, sugarcane pricing, and what it termed attempts to weaken the role of the Food Corporation of India (FCI).The organisation also expressed concerns over the possible impact of the proposed India-US, India-European Union and India-New Zealand free trade agreements on Indian agriculture, saying these issues would form the basis of its nationwide campaign.In Maharashtra, where farmers continue to face challenges such as fluctuating crop prices, demands for a remunerative minimum support price (MSP), delayed crop insurance settlements and irrigation issues, the resolutions are expected to add momentum to ongoing agrarian concerns.AIKS said it would strengthen coordination with other farmers’ organisations and participate in the National Convention of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) scheduled in Delhi on July 28 to formulate a broader strategy.The organisation also decided to build closer coordination between farmers and workers by participating in the National Struggle Convention, jointly organised by SKM and central trade unions on July 29 against what it termed “anti-people policies” of the government.A nationwide Jail Bharo campaign involving farmers, workers and agricultural labourers has been planned on August 10 at district headquarters across the country to press for their demands. AIKS said it would mobilise members in large numbers.As part of celebrations marking 90 years since its formation, AIKS announced that programmes would be organised across the country. On November 15, the birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda, the organisation plans to hoist AIKS flags and hold meetings, seminars and cultural programmes in villages highlighting farmers’ issues.The next national conference of AIKS will be held in Nalgonda, Telangana, from November 18 to 21.
