Kirti Kisan Sabha seeks relief package for Punjab farmers

Farmers' body Kirti Kisan Sabha, Punjab has demanded from the Central Government a comprehensive relief package for farmers of the state for complete waiver of debt and to boost overall agriculture production in the state which is facing "acute crisis for the last many years."

Prem Singh Bhangu, President, Kirti Kisan Sabha Punjab said here on Saturday in a statement that farmers all over the country in general and of Punjab in particular need a special attention in this years Central Budget as they are "reeling under heavy debt burden".

He said that this year budget should be made agriculture- oriented budget by allocating 40 per cent of the budget for agriculture and rural development.

"It is unfortunate to note that 65 per cent people dependent on agriculture are only contributing just 17 per cent of GDP because Government is spending only 1.6 per cent of GDP on agriculture whereas the service sector has became the main priority sector for the Government inspite of the fact that it does not contribute in the real production," he claimed.