The Centre's decision to remove import duty on wheat today came under attack from the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) which asked the government to withdraw the move and instead hike the tax to 40 per cent.
Lower import duties increase foreign dependency and hampers our country's self-sufficiency and food security. Besides, importing cheap agricultural products will mean local farmers will not receive fair price for their produces, a statement quoted BKU Punjab president Ajmer Singh Lakhoval as saying.
Hence, we oppose removal of the import duty and instead demand the government to hike it to 40 per cent instead, he added.
Speaking to reporters here, BKU leaders demanded the government to waive off Rs 1 lakh crore loan on farm loan and also lashed out at the government for demonetising Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes, claiming it has broken the back of peasants.
The BKU is demanding an immediate waiver of one lakh crore on farm loans and will campaign to mobilise small farmers across the country to realise this demand, BKU National Spokesperson Rakesh Tikait said.
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