MICLUN terms Mizoram govt ''anti-farmer''

Aizawl, May 2 (UNI) The Mizoram Cultivators and Labourers Union (MICLUN) today termed the Mizoram government as ''anti-farmer''.

''Different political parties have ruled the state, but all of them have failed to address the problems of the farmers, making their lot worse by the year. To rescue the farmers from their extreme poverty, we must shun party politics and elect the right persons as our representatives,'' the union said in a statement.

It also demanded the Mizo National Front (MNF) government to immediately implement funds under the NREGS, Mizoram Intodelhna (self-sufficiency) Project and Baffacos (Bamboo Flowering and Famine Combat Scheme) to the Mautam (bamboo flowering) famine-affected farmers.

Expressing serious concern over the meagre allocation of budget to agriculture and allied sectors, the MICLUN demanded revision of the state budget.

While lauding the Mizoram Health Care Scheme for families uncovered by state employees health scheme, the union urged for reduction of the fees for beneficiary cards.

The union further demanded the government to waive farmers' loans in the state, in tune with the UPA government's move.

''A memorandum has also been submitted to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in this regard,'' the statement said.

The union also criticised the discontinuation of the procurement of locally grown turmeric.

UNI ZS DPM KLC1513