Mizo farmers unite for uplift of their lots

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

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, appropriate 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 is allocated for salaries of the government employees and maintenance of government offices, the entire population, mainly farmers, have to share the rest 20 per cent. That too is usually spent only in the state capital, '' the resolutions said.

'' The farmers are 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.

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