By Special Correspondent
Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jeetu Patwari has sharply criticised the State BJP government, alleging that farmers have endured the most difficult phase of the past two years while the administration has confined itself to announcements and publicity. He said rising input costs, falling crop prices and repeated natural calamities have pushed thousands of cultivators into severe financial distress, yet meaningful relief remains elusive.
Patwari said the government boasts that farmers earning Rs 1 lakh per bigha will be rewarded, but in reality cultivators are compelled to take loans simply to protect their crops. He questioned the government’s claim of introducing a wheat seed variety capable of producing 50 quintals per bigha, pointing out that no farmer has been informed about where the seed is available, which agricultural institution certified it, or in which district it was tested. In contrast, soybean yields were so poor this year that many farmers harvested less than five quintals per acre. Insurance companies withheld compensation despite widespread losses, while the government restricted itself to review meetings.
According to Patwari, severe power cuts have crippled irrigation, forcing farmers to stay awake through the night waiting for motors to run. With canals dry, tube wells without electricity and damaged transformers left unattended, the rabi season has suffered heavily. Meanwhile, rising fertiliser and diesel prices and reduced rates in mandis compounded farmers’ hardship. He alleged that mandis have become sites of exploitation and that MSP exists only in advertisements, not on the ground.
Patwari further claimed that farmers whose crops were destroyed by rain, hailstorms, pests and diseases have been waiting two years for compensation. He criticised the government for admitting in the Assembly that it lacks funds for relief while spending up to Rs 21 lakh on a single official air tour. “Farmers struggle to receive even Rs 5,000 while the government splurges on travel. This is the BJP’s priority—luxury over livelihoods,” he said.
He argued that despite repeated declarations of “industry year” or “agriculture year,” nothing has improved for farmers in terms of electricity, water, seeds, insurance or prices. The Congress, he said, will stand firmly with every farmer and take the fight to villages, the Assembly and, if necessary, across the State through mass agitation.
