Varun Gandhi - BJP MP from Pilibhit in Uttar Pradesh in a letter to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath requesting more remuneration for sugarcane crop and subsidy in diesel and electricity rates and multiplying the monetary benefits provided to the farmers under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana.
Farmers in Gandhi's constituency have raised the demands to review the sugarcanes rates and also mentioned that the prices of the crops have increased in the last four years up by Rs 10 per quintal.
Seeking a rise in the minimum support price (MSP) for sugarcane crops, Mr Gandhi has also urged for at least a Rs 400 per quintal for the year 2021-22 considering the increased input expenses.
Also Read: Suspend campaigning in Punjab, farmers leaders tell political parties
Though the UP government has claimed that it has cleared nearly 84 per cent of dues to around 4.5 million sugar cane farmers of the state, Gandhi has pointed towards some dues not being paid yet. However, the Yogi government claims of having to settle Rs 1.42 lakh crore to sugarcane farmers in the last four years.
Telling of the economic distress the farming community suffers from, the BJP MP asked for a ₹200 per quintal bonus for farmers growing wheat and rice besides providing them with seeds at lower costs and about Ra 20 per litre subsidy in diesel prices.
Varun Gandhi has also pitched for raising the ₹6,000 per annum fund given to the farmers under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana and approve their call to be included among the category of workers. The other demands of the farmers include being considered qualified to take part in the national minimum rural employment guarantee scheme.
It is not the first time when Gandhi has raised concerns over the issues associated with farmers.
Also Read: Yogi's image against Kolkata flyover sparks criticism
Earlier, he had spoken on the ongoing farmer's protest that sought to revoke the three farm laws. He had said that “re-engagement” with the agitating farmers was required.
He referred to the farmers as “our own flesh and blood” and insisted that their hardships and sacrifices must be reflected upon.