Elders express concern over plight of farmers

New Delhi, Feb 24 (UNI) Members in Rajya Sabha, cutting across party lines, today expressed concern over the ''deteriorating'' condition of farmers in the country and cautioned against the harm that government's ''indifference'' could do to Agriculture sector and consequently, the economy.

Participating in a discussion on a Private Members' Bill on farmers condition, Mr M S Gill (Congress) regretted that very little research was being done to increase production and productivity in Agricultural universities and institutes for lack of investment and funds.

He said farmers in many states were also in a pitiable condition because they had to depend on vagariess of nature.

their difficulties were compounded by official apathy including loans, fertilisers, interest payment and similar other conditions.

He cautioned against a situation like the one ''from Nepal to Karnataka.'' Dr Gyan Prakash Pilania (BJP) urged the government to take special care of farmers interests while Mrs Prabha Thakur (Congress) demanded that farmers be given interest-free loans.

Also, the Met Department should forewarn and educate the farmers about any impending vagaries of nature like drought and floods.

Mr Sharad Joshi said agriculture should be given special attention saying ''agriculture lays the golden egg that can help society'' and make the country prosperous.

UNI RB MSJ RK1730