Mizo farmers unite for uplift of their lot

Aizawl, Oct 6 (UNI) The Zoram Kuthnathawktu Pawl, the apex farmers' forum in Mizoram has passed resolutions for improvement of the conditions of farmers in the state.

The three-point resolution urged for allocation of at least 40 per cent of the state budget for farmers, markets for home grown agricultural products and most importantly, punishment to all those involved in misappropriation of Bamboo Flowering and Famine Combat Scheme (BAFFACOS) funds and other Centrally sponsored scheme funds.

''Since as much as 80 per cent of the state budget was allocated for salaries of the government employees and maintenance of government offices, the entire population, mainly farmers, had to share the rest 20 per cent. That too was usually spent only in the state capital, ''the resolutions said.

''The farmers were being denied even small space for selling their products,'' the resolution regretted.

The farmers also pointed out alleged misuse of funds under the Rural Development department. ''We demand investigation into fund scam such as the diversion of Rs 96.66 lakh meant for construction of houses for 500 economically backward families in Lunglei district,'' the resolution said.

UNI SNR SJC PDM KP1202