Gujjar agitations hit betel farmers in Bayana

Bayana, June 11: Betel farmers in Bayana have been adversely affected by the agitation of members of the Gujjar community for being classified as scheduled tribes.

The farmers in the region hope that the agitation comes to an end. They are praying for the success of the next round of talks which would bring an end to the agitation.

The agitators have blocked road and rail links of Bayana with the rest of the State, while the government has snapped the supply of electricity and water to them. As a result, farmers have been bearing the brunt and hope that some solution will come out soon.

Betel leaves from Bayana are sent to various places in the country. The agitation has also affected the supply of water to the villages around.

"We have lost millions of rupees. There is no water due to absence of electricity supply," said Chebilal Mahovya, a betel farmer.

Betel leaves which require tending on a regular basis have started to wilt and droop due to water shortage.

Many, especially the women are trying hard to protect the plants from the scorching heat.

"We hardly manage to eat one meal a day. Women hunt for water and they do not have enough water to make dough for rolling breads," said Sulekha, a woman of the betel farming family.

About 38 people have been killed in the last 18 days of Gujjar agitation in Rajasthan.

ANI