Political Rivalries Must Not Hinder Farmers' Welfare: Shivraj Criticizes Delhi Government's Anti-Farmer Stance

New Delhi, Jan 2 (NationPress) Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed deep concern over the unfortunate situation of farmers in Delhi, accusing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of showing a lack of concern for their welfare. In a letter directed to Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, Chouhan criticized the Delhi government for allegedly neglecting to implement crucial central agricultural schemes, which he contended has deprived farmers of vital benefits.

Chouhan emphasized that political rivalries should not obstruct the welfare of farmers.

"I am penning this letter with immense sadness. Your government has consistently failed to make suitable decisions in favor of farmers in Delhi. Furthermore, you have halted the execution of the Central Government’s farmer-friendly initiatives in Delhi. There seems to be no compassion for the farmers in your administration," he articulated.

The Union Minister accused the AAP government in Delhi of disregarding farmers' requirements for the past decade.

Pointing to Arvind Kejriwal's prior term as Chief Minister, he remarked, "Instead of making decisions that benefit the public, he has continually focused on his own interests. Farmers have been deceived and exploited for political advantages through pre-election pledges."

Chouhan underscored several significant central schemes that have allegedly not been enacted in Delhi, such as the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) and the National Agriculture Development Programme (Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana or RKVY).

He labeled this as a manifestation of the AAP government's irresponsible behavior, which, according to him, has led to farmers losing out on benefits like subsidies for mechanization, micro-irrigation, soil health management, crop residue management, agroforestry, and crop diversification.

The letter also condemned the failure to implement the Beej Gram Yojana, aimed at enhancing seed quality and distribution. He stated that this negligence has left farmers unable to obtain the advantages of seed certification, improved infrastructure for seed testing, and support for traditional seed cultivation.

"Not only have you failed to implement the Central Government's farmer welfare schemes in Delhi, but your policies have also been anti-agriculture and anti-farmer," Chouhan asserted.

Moreover, the minister claimed that essential agricultural machinery, such as tractors and harvesters, are being categorized as commercial vehicles in Delhi, forcing farmers to buy them at inflated prices.

He also accused the AAP government of imposing high electricity costs on farmers, asserting, "While AAP claims to provide free electricity, farmers are being billed commercial rates for irrigation purposes. Connections for irrigation equipment in regions like Gondi near Bamuna have been terminated, obstructing irrigation and causing crops to wither."

Chouhan stressed the importance of prioritizing farmers' welfare over political agendas.

"Political rivalries must not become a barrier to farmers' welfare. Supporting farmers is a responsibility of every government, regardless of political affiliation," he insisted, urging the Delhi government to implement central agricultural schemes promptly.

He concluded by appealing to the Delhi government to transcend political discord and take swift action to ensure the benefits of central schemes are accessible to Delhi's farmers.

"I implore you to guarantee that the food producers of Delhi receive the benefits they rightfully deserve," he wrote.