Shekhawat expresses concern over farmers suicide

Mumbai, Apr 8 (UNI) Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat today described the growing incidence of farmers suicide and the challenges faced by the agricultural community as a challenge faced by the entire country.

He was speaking at a gathering here, after the release of a photo biography of Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar.

He expressed confidence that the policies initiated by Mr Pawar would help uplift the living standards of agriculturists.

Mr Shekhawat said, ''My friendship with Mr Pawar dates back to the late seventies and we know each other very well. Even during our informal frequent interactions, we discuss the state of Agriculture in India. I am confident that the policies being initiated under Mr Pawar's stewardship would steer the agriculture sector out of problems.'' The Vice-President added that farmers only want a good price for their produce, illustrating the setbacks faced by them, Mr Shekhawat felt that the Agriculture community lacks good marketing skills and should be taught how to tackle natural calamities.

Globalisation had led to widening of the gap between the rich and the poor and strengthening of the Agriculture sector along with rural development will help to bridge the gap between the two, he asserted.

According to Mr Shekhawat, about 4.5 crore farmers in the country hold less than one acre of land. Efforts have to be taken to uplift their standard of living. He also said that population growth was another hurdle in the progress and development of the Nation.

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