Jaipur: A political storm erupted on Friday after Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, speaking at the curtain raiser of the Global Rajasthan AgriTech Meet (GRAM 2026) to be held in Jaipur from May 23 to 25, made remarks on farmers that drew sharp criticism from the Opposition.Sharma said, “My farmer, who secured first position earlier, has now reached the 3rd position. Such a big change has happened. Our farmer can reach the first position if he farms using modern methods and profit-oriented techniques; no one can earn more than the farmer. If our farmer fully understands his duty and works diligently in farming, he won’t face any losses. However, he is only working for 20 or 25 days, or a month in a year, yet he wants to strengthen his entire economic situation and food supply for 11-12 months. Is that possible?” he asked.“Most farmers don’t work more than 25-30 days; they only go for sowing and harvesting, and occasionally watering the crops for 2-4-5 days. If you establish a routine of working 4 hours regularly in farming, our farmer can still come first. We have sidelined our farming. If you don’t value farming, why would farming value you?”He further added, “Water flows from the fields of many farmers, but does not reach the storage. They cannot utilize that water. However, today, farmers do not have the time. I know because most have started living in cities. Who will look after their farming? Don’t ruin farming in this way.”Reacting strongly, Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully demanded an immediate apology, saying the “annadata of the state will not tolerate this insult.” Jully accused Sharma of mocking farmers’ “back-breaking hard work” at a 5-star hotel, calling it proof of the BJP’s anti-farmer ideology.He said the CM’s ‘25-day farming a year’ remarks were “not only far removed from ground reality but also deeply wound the self-respect of the hardworking farmers.” Jully added that farmers toil in extreme conditions and are already burdened by shortages of resources, fertilizers, and seeds, forcing many to migrate to cities due to policies of the “Double Engine” government.
