Kisan Panchayat to unveil agenda for farmers' welfare

BHOPAL, AUG 24 (UNI) A unique 'Kisan Panchayat' here on August 30 will unveil long term agenda to improve the condition of farmers and to bring in qualitative change in the farm sector in Madhya Pradesh.

About 1000 farmers from across the state will attend the day-long Kisan Panchayat at the official residence of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who had already announced sops to the farmers in the form of waiving power bill arrears and simplifying procedure for agriculture pumps.

In between breakfast, tea and lunch, hosted by the Chief Minister, the farmers will be given opportunity to give suggestions and voice their grievances, while the Chief Minister, his ministerial colleagues and senior officers will listen to them and take notes.

It is likely that a major package for farmers will be announced at the conclusion of the Panchayat, official sources said.

This is the first such attempt by the BJP government to establish direct dialogue with farmers to understand their problems.

On the same day, farmers forums will be held at all 313 block headquarters to elicit views of farmers on different problems being faced by them. About 100 farmers will attend such meetings organised at each block headquarters to get feedback of the farming community.

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