Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhad raised questions about the promises he made to farmers at a forum packed with Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Mumbai two days ago and has now given him a new name. During the Parliament proceedings, the Vice President called Shivraj Singh a 'farmer's darling'.
Rajya Sabha Speaker Jagdeep Dhankhad gave this name to the Agriculture Minister during question period in the Rajya Sabha on Friday when questions were being asked regarding the Ministry of Agriculture. He told Shivraj Singh that I have nominated you today.
In fact, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh raised a question in Parliament that many farmers' organizations are marching towards Parliament. Three days ago a high constitutional officer had put the plight of the farmers before the public. I would like to know what the government is doing on it and what is the opinion of the agriculture minister.
The Vice President said this about Shivraj Singh
After listening to Jairam Ramesh, Dhankhad said that nothing will be recorded. Then he said about Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan-
The minister was with me in coming and going. I told the minister and I was convinced that the man known as a ladle in the country would be a farmer's ladle. I fully hope that the energetic minister will do this as per his name Shivraj. Today I have nominated you, the farmer's darling.
Dhankhad said – I was hoping that Jairam Ramesh would ask some questions. It would have been good if there had been an amendment proposal even once. But not a single question came.
What did Dhankhad ask Shivraj in Mumbai? On Tuesday, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar was addressing the centenary function of the Central Institute of Research in Cotton Technology (CIRCOT) in Mumbai. Shivraj Singh was also present in this program. Pointing at Shivraj, he said-
Minister of Agriculture, your every moment is heavy. I am requesting you and the second person under the Constitution of India is requesting you to please tell me what was promised to the farmer? And why was the promise not kept? What do we do to keep the promise? There was a movement last year too, this year too there is a movement. The wheel of time keeps turning. We are not doing anything.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan answering the questions of opposition members during question period in Rajya Sabha.
Will buy farmers' produce at MSP: Shivraj On Jairam Ramesh's question, Shivraj said – I respect Rameshji a lot. He has asked what my opinion is about MSP. That is a very sacred opinion. We will fix the MSP and buy more than 50% of the price. Congress never shopped on MSP when it was in power. For me, the service of a farmer is worship of God. Keeping this in mind we will continue to serve them. Bought the product at MSP and will still buy the full product.
RJD MP asked the question of loan waiver of farmers RJD MP Manoj Jha said that a comprehensive framework should be created for loan waiver of farmers. So that their dependence on non-institutional lenders can end.
On Manoj Jha's question, Shivraj said – We will increase production, reduce costs, give fair prices and compensate losses through insurance schemes. We will diversify agriculture towards natural farming and increase farmers' income to such an extent that they will not be in a position to seek loan waivers again and again. We believe in increasing revenue.
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
