Farmers to take out protest march

Farmers from Punjab and Haryana will take out a protest march here on February 18 in support of their demands including implementation of Swaminathan Commission report and debt waiver for farmers affected by natural calamities.
Under the banner of Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU), farmers in large numbers will assemble here at Mohali and then proceed to Punjab Governor's house to submit their memorandum with regard to their demands.
Farmers are upset with the Modi government for "not paying attention" to resolving farmers' issues, said BKU (Punjab) President Ajmer Singh Lakhowal said here.
"BJP before coming to power in the Centre had promised to implement the recommendations of Swaminathan Commission report which suggest 50 per cent profit over input cost. But the Modi government failed in honouring its promise and there is a great disappointment among farming community," he said.

Agitating farmers are also demanding alteration in recently launched crop insurance scheme in which they want plot should be taken as unit for crop insurance and nothing should be charged for crop insurance from farmers whose land is less than 5 acres.
They also demand debt waiver for farmers who suffered crop damage on account of natural calamities.
"If the government does not accede to our demands by March 17, then we will forced to block all roads leading to Delhi," he warned.