Vaghela denies describing Vidarbha farmers as 'lazy'

Ahmedabad, Sep 13 (UNI) Union Textiles Minister Shankarsinh Vaghela has denied using the term ''lazy'' to describe farmers from the Vidarbha region in Maharashtra.

Talking to reporters here today, Mr Vaghela said he had flown to Akola from Amrawati in a helicopter and was surprised to see the fields below wearing a deserted look. ''Although it was 1030 hrs, there were no farmers in the fields. At that hour, a field in Gujarat witnesses to hectic activity,'' he said.

Mr Vaghela said his ministry was ready to extend financial aid for the development of ginning press in Vidarbha. But, the farmers there should show some initiative.

Mr Vaghela expressed surprise that cotton farmers in Vidarbha did not even have a market yard.

UNI