27 percent farmers in Rajasthan averse to farming

Jaipur, May 12 (UNI) As much as 27 percent farmers in Rajasthan do not like farming as it is not profitable, a state-level workshop organised by Centre for Community Economics and Development Consultants Society (CEOCEDECON), found out.

Economist Surjit Singh from the city-based Institute of Development Studies, said agriculture has become relatively unrewarding profession due to high costs of inputs like fertilisers, insecticides, electricity, improved seeds, an unfavourable price regime and low value additions. Farmers now find it difficult to meet family needs and expenditure on education and health has also gone up.

The farmer participants in the show said that liberalisation policies have added to the woes of agriculture.

Kota MLA Bharat Singh, said the Minimum Support Price (MSP) is much below the market price for several years and when it is higher than the market price, the procurement agencies do not procure the produce on one or other ground. ''The MSP for mustard in Rajasthan is a total farce,'' he said.

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